Spent his day on a raft of St Kilda midfielders and had minimal effect. Had a wonderful view of Brendon Goddard’s last-term hanger, when he simply couldn’t match his former teammate’s athleticism.
Dayne Beams - 3
Had a bit of the ball but was kept in check and wasn’t able to get into his usual dangerous positions.
Jarryd Blair - 6
Was lively, despite just the 10 touches. Roved well in the first term to boot a clever goal although a third-term poster may haunt him throughout the week.
Leigh Brown - 4
Not Brown’s worst game although the Pies definitely lost something when he had to go into the ruck. The big man took a courageous grab running back with the flight in defence late in the game, and has a nice shiner to show for it.
Nathan Brown - 7
A late inclusion for Simon Prestigiacomo and didn’t let his side down. Generally beat Nick Riewoldt in their one-on-ones, although was done on the lead once or twice. A great effort from the improving youngster.
Travis Cloke - 6
After kicking his first set shot three minutes into the second term, he missed two doozies just before the long change. Luckily, he kicked the final goal of the game to save some face, because if the Saints had won, those misses would have lived with him forever.
Leon Davis - 3
Started on the bench and had just two possessions until midway through the third term. Finished the day with six, but did kick one of the goals of the day in the last term. Perhaps a big call looms for Mick Malthouse this week.
Chris Dawes - 4
Presented well but didn’t kick a goal. Got his hands to the ball enough although he never really looked like taking the game by the scruff of the neck. Did feed the all-important handball to Cloke for his late goal.
Alan Didak - 6
Got his hands on the ball a few seconds in and nailed a beautiful goal from tight up on the boundary 11 minutes in to get his tail up. Like his side however, he faded as the match wore on. Was in the middle and across half-forward.
Ben Johnson - 6
Was pretty good in defence for the Pies. Stephen Milne did boot one on him although Johnson did provide some run. Did magnificently to prevent a score in the frenetic final seconds as the Saints pushed for a score to scrounge the win.
Darren Jolly - 5
Started well by booting the first goal of the game 20 seconds in but went out of the game as it progressed. Was on top of Gardiner before he left the ground injured. Justin Koschitzke and Jason Blake curbed his influence in the second half.
Nick Maxwell - 8
As desperate as ever, whether left marked by the Saints or left unattended - which he was at times. The skipper’s Steven Baker-like lunge, to thwart a Saints goal, and superb mark across half-back with less than four minutes remaining were highlights of his game.
Brent Macaffer - 4
Another of the Pies’ forwards who are tough to match-up on but never blow a game out themselves. Macaffer’s defensive pressure was great, as illustrated by five tackles - one of which was rewarded with a goal following a 50m penalty.
Harry O'Brien - 5
Harry looked a bit jittery at times, especially late in the game. He did boot a team-lifting goal to stretch the margin in the second term, but Adam Schneider and Stephen Milne ensured he had his hands full.
Scott Pendlebury - 6
Made his touches count. He landed awkwardly just before the last change and struggled late, but was highly effective early in the contest. Worked hard for 19 touches and six tackles.
Ben Reid - 5
Assigned to Justin Koschitzke and did a good job when the big Saint was in attack. Had one booted on him by Kosi and was also on Sam Gilbert when he nailed one in the third term. But the developing defender did enough again.
Heath Shaw - 8
Was used in defence and on a wing and provided some great run, especially in his team’s dominant second period. Had a heap of kicks and contested possessions as he busied himself more through the middle of the ground than usual.
Steele Sidebottom - 7
Not blessed with speed but reads the play so well that he was often at the drop of the ball and looked dangerous. Has a cool head and looks made for big games. Sprayed one or two kicks but generally used the ball well.
Dane Swan - 8
Won a heap of the footy in the opening minutes, and again looked dangerous when bursting clear several times in the second term. Found it tougher after the main break but was still the game’s clearance king.
Dale Thomas - 9
When he floated through a miraculous torpedo goal midway through the first term, you suspected Daisy was in for a good day. The classy ballwinner was terrific all afternoon despite the odd wayward kick. He won plenty of hard balls and laid eight tackles.
Alan Toovey - 5
Played everywhere at one time or another. He was typically tight when in defence, and charged through the middle of the ground late with gusto, breaking a tackle and hitting Chris Dawes with poise.
Sharrod Wellingham - 4
Wasn’t as prolific or able to find as much space as in recent weeks. An important part of the Pies’ midfield rotation and, like many, will be better next week for his grand final experience.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
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