What we learnt NAB Cup Round 2: St Kilda v Sydney Swans
Posted by Justin CooperMar 3. 2013 9:24 pm
ST KILDA 0.13.12 (90) def SYDNEY 1.8.10 (67)
ST KILDA has ensured that the Sydney Swans have maintained a winless NAB Cup campaign after two rounds, following a 23-point win at Etihad Stadium tonight.
The win for the Saints appears to have come at a cost though, with Rhys Stanley suffering a hyper-extended left knee mid-way through the third term.
Also on Football Nation: NAB Cup Scores Round 2, 2013 (Saints vs Swans)
“It’s a hyper-extended knee, which is potentially a good thing, and it doesn’t look that serious,” said Saints coach Scott Watters in his post-game press conference.
“But having said that, it’s very hard to make these assessments, or have some finality on these assessments, until you get a scan.
“It looked bad initially; it doesn’t look quite as bad now.”
Stanley will have scans on Monday to examine the extent of the damage.
Also on Football Nation: UPDATE: Knee injury to sideline Rhys Stanley for a month
The Saints trailed by two points at the final change, but stormed home to kick the last three goals of the game and the win over the reigning premiers.
After being separated by just three points at the end of the second and third quarters, the Saints pulled away late to win 0.13.12 (90) to the Swans 1.8.10 (67).
The Saints’ midfield managed to get on top in the second half and were ably led by Leigh Montagna (28 disposals) and David Armitage (20).
Against the reigning premiers St Kilda’s forward line stood up well, especially so given the absence of captain Nick Riewoldt, and small forwards Ahmed Saad (two goals), Trent Dennis-Lane (two) and Sam Dunnell (two) all proving a handful.
For the Swans, stand-in captain Jude Bolton (27 touches) and Daniel Hannebery (30) led the way.
Both teams were missing a whole host of stars, with Nick Dal Santo, James Gwilt, Lenny Hayes, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Adam Schneider and Jack Steven all sitting on the sidelines for the Saints.
Also on Football Nation: The full 2013 NAB Cup Fixture
For the Swans, Craig Bird, Nick Malceski, McVeigh and Ryan O’Keefe, were also absent, while Goodes, Martin Mattner, Shane Mumford and Rhyce Shaw were also rested for the second weekend in a row.
St Kilda’s next game will be against Melbourne next Saturday (March 9) while the Swans will hope to get their first victory in the pre-season on the same day when they face off against the Gold Coast Suns.
Here are the highlight’s from the game:
Tags: NAB Cup, St Kilda, Sydney
Filled under: Expert Analysis, Latest News, NAB Cup, Round 2, St Kilda, Sydney, What We Learnt
