Saints kids in line for Round 1 start

[Ricochet]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/st-kilda-assistant-adam-kingsley-says-draftees-in-frame-for-round-1-starts/story-e6frf3e3-1226818380010?from=public_rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

St Kilda assistant Adam Kingsley says draftees in frame for Round 1 starts

ASSISTANT coach Adam Kingsley expects a couple of the club's most recent draftees to push for selection in St Kilda's Round 1 team to face Melbourne.

The Saints, who coach Alan Richardson says are in for a complete rebuild , looked to the draft and trade table following its miserable 2013 season when it finished 16th with a 5-17 win-loss record.

And their three selections at last year's national draft - all top-20 picks - could be in the frame for early-season debuts.

Speaking to SEN on Wednesday morning, Kingsley said the exciting Jack Billings, the No.3 pick at last year's draft, would likely be front and centre when it came time to pick a side to face Melbourne for the season-opening clash.

The strongly-built Luke Dunstan is also a good chance, although classy West Australian Blake Acres may be further down the pecking order after "a little bit of a setback" with a shoulder issue before coming to the club.

"I think he is, yeah," Kingsley replied when asked if Billings was capable of a Round 1 start.

"There's no reason why Jack won't play Round 1.

"That'll be dependent on form more so than whether his body's ready because I think he'll be able to handle that. He's got enough class to be able to do that already."

Dunstan, the former South Australian taken with pick 18, has impressed in the off-season and has the attributes to step straight into senior football.

"Luke Dunstan's definitely ready, he's a man already, he's got a great physique already for an 18 year old," Kingsley said.

While the new draftees have created buzz, so too has exciting forward Spencer White, whom many have compared to one of the game's superstars at the same age.

However Kingsley played down expectation on the rangy left-footer, saying comparisons between the 19-year-old and a certain Sydney Swan were misplaced.

"Oh look, he's still got an enormous amount of work to do," Kingsley said.

"Comparing him to Buddy Franklin is off the mark at this stage.

"He's got a lof of work to do, he needs to improve his fitness, he needs to improve the defensive elements of his game.

"But he has some talent, there's no question about that, and if he can get some consistency in his game (because) his good is good, his bad isn't all that good at the moment so he needs to really lift that to a level that's acceptable for a full game."

Kingsley said former Hawk Shane Savage had brought terrific leadership and knowledge from his former club, and would complement the Saints' midfield.

"When we've got the ball he really works hard," Kingsley said.

"I think he's going to improve our outside run and that's something we need to be able to do.

"Joey Montagna's been carrying that load for a while now and I think Shane will assist him in that area."

[sammy123]

Good signs for dunstan then. Havent even considered billings due to his price

[Noz]

Good signs for Shane Savage as well with Joey missing the first round. Savage could be a good buy.

[GoLions]

Billings and Dunstan are both probably 100% locked in for me now. Only thing stopping them is if they aren't named round 1. Should both get plenty of opportunity at the saints though you would think

[MC]

Good signs for Shane Savage as well with Joey missing the first round. Savage could be a good buy.

Probably not enough reason to pick him though. Depends how many other risky types you have I guess

[Noz]

Good signs for Shane Savage as well with Joey missing the first round. Savage could be a good buy.

Probably not enough reason to pick him though. Depends how many other risky types you have I guess

It is risky yes. Savage will be taking Joey's spot in the midfield and while Steven will be tagged heavily by someone in the Melbourne team. Savage really does need to stand up and deliver.

Im still in 2 minds if i want to start him or not hopefully the NAB will ease my mind a bit.

[Rusty00]

I've had Dunstan in my team since day 1 as I thought he'd be ready to go round 1.

Billings a bit too expensive for my liking.

[ubeaut]

Good signs for Shane Savage as well with Joey missing the first round. Savage could be a good buy.

Yes I've got him instead of Thomas.