St Kilda’s newest players were officially welcomed to the Club this afternoon as Senior Coach Ross Lyon introduced them at a press conference at Linen House Oval.
Standing alongside the four young recruits, Jamie Cripps, Sam Crocker, Tom Ledger and Arryn Siposs, Lyon was visibly pleased with the Club’s results following last weeks 2010 NAB AFL Draft.
“It is exciting to get new talent through the doors, there’s no doubt about that,” Lyon said.
“I don’t normally say it, but I think a few of them can make some impact next year. Clearly a couple of them need to build their bodies; you can bang weight on but you can’t bang talent into them.”
First Round selection Jamie Cripps was clearly thrilled to be wearing the red, white and black and said; “It’s awesome (to be here). I’m really happy to come over to St Kilda from WA and have been enjoying it so far.”
Fellow West Australian Tom Ledger admitted that it was handy to have Cripps with him at his new home, saying “Jamie and I have done a pretty good job so far of sticking together, we flew over together and it’s good to have him here for support.”
Coming from a long family of St Kilda supporters, Fourth Round pick Arryn Siposs admitted his selection was a dream come true for him and his family.
“Growing up as a Saints fan you dream as a little kid to play for St Kilda and wear the jumper when you’re older, but you never really expect it,” Arryn explained. “So having the opportunity to come down to the Saints is great.”
“Jason Cripps was my hero as a kid, and I wore number 18 on my back, but as I got older I’ve looked up to Nick Riewoldt, especially with having played in the forward line myself. I’ve always looked up to him and how he plays; it is really exciting to watch him.”
As one of seven players from the TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers to get drafted into the AFL, Sam Crocker is looking forward to further developing his relationships with a couple of well known names at the Club.
“We had exceptional coaching this year (at the Chargers) and also had Lenny (Hayes) and (Steven) King down at the Club. I was rapt to be working with them through the year, let alone to be at the Club with them now. So I am extremely humbled for that opportunity.”
Explaining the program for the players over the coming weeks, Lyon said, “It was their first training day today. We introduced them to the program but they’ll be on a modified program until we work them into full training.”
“They’ve certainly got some skill level and some game sense and real speed, which I think we all acknowledge we’re trying to get into the group. From here it’s a wonderful opportunity to get into an elite Club. It’s a demanding environment, but they’ve got great role models so it’s a wonderful time for them and us.”
