ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon cracked a smile accepting the NAB Cup, but says momentum is the real prize for his club after Saturday night's five-point win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
“I was really pleased with our effort playing in really difficult conditions,” Lyon said after the game.
“I thought we persisted and persevered. I don’t think either team played great football but it was a really good contest.
“We won under difficult circumstances against what we consider strong opposition.
“That’s what brought the smile.
“Obviously for the football club it brings momentum going into the season with four wins.
“It brings some prize money into the coffers of the club – Melbourne clubs have to fight hard for their cash, so that always helps.
“And hopefully it will spur on some membership. We’re already 10 per cent above last year. It would be nice to hit 30,000 and hit it quick. We’re about 25,000.
“They’re the things that bring a little smile to your face.”
Lyon put down the win to a combination of factors – including a little luck, with the Saints winning all their NAB Cup matches by small margins.
“Fundamentally it comes down to preparation and team work and effort,” said Lyon.
“There will be some tight games throughout the year that we don’t win, but I thought that persistence and perseverance has paid off for us. We’ve come from behind in the last three games, so that’s pleasing.”
And the luck?
“I like to learn off the master coaches like (Denis) Pagan and (Kevin) Sheedy, and Denis talks about ‘luck’s what’s left over after you’ve worked your hardest’.
“We feel we’ve worked hard, so if there’s been a bit of luck come our way that’s fine.”
The Saints will monitor the effect of the oppressive heat on their players. The match started under 37 degree temperatures, and it was still 32 when the game finished.
“We won’t know the full ramifications of that for the next 24-48 hours,” Lyon said.
“We had only one cramp – that was Grammy (Michael Tuck Medallist Jason Gram) – so it was a credit to our nutritionists and conditioning coaches and performance managers.”
Gram, who starred with 33 possessions across half back, said the conditions were tough.
“Yeah, it was tough. Going out there for the warm-up with the heat just beaming on you. But as soon as the shade came over it cooled down a bit.”
Gram – who has established himself over the last 12 months as a consistently damaging player – was surprised and happy to be wearing the medal.
“Michael Tuck was a champion player and played a lot of footy and to win it tonight, I’m really grateful.”
The Saints are looking to further strengthen their side with the looming return of key players. Brendan Goddard will play for Casey this week and next.
“We’ll feed in Goddard and Maguire in the ensuing weeks,” Lyon said. “And then we’ve got (Sean) Dempster and Fraser (Gehrig) and Max (Hudghton) to come.”
The Saints will also make a decision on their captain in the next few days – with the field narrowed to two.
The club will hold its Family Day at Frankston on Sunday.
