Saints have depth to cover Dobson, says coach

ST MARY’S coach Troy Mitchell is confident his side has the depth to cover the loss of star forward Sam Dobson.

Dobson has been promoted to VFL level on the back of a stunning run of form, booting 32 goals for the Saints in seven matches, and Mitchell knows he is unlikely to see him in the coming weeks.

“We always knew that Sam would get an opportunity to play VFL footy,” Mitchell said of Dobson, who has also been selected in the Vic Country squad. “Whatever comes his way, he deserves that opportunity, that’s for sure.”

Dobson has already proven his ability at VFL level, kicking 11 goals in eight games for the Cats last year, but has only played once so far this season.

“If anything last week, maybe we were looking for Sam a little bit too much,” Mitchell said. “It should hopefully open us up a little bit to be a little smarter with the footy. Injuries and things change, that’s just what good sides do, they change and adapt and they still have a game plan and they go with it.”

Mitchell said his side would look to spread the scoring load.

“Last year one of our greatest strengths was that we had multiple goalkickers and I think that will probably come out a little bit more this week,” he said. “I don’t think it should rely on one guy coming in trying to kick goals, or a particular person, I think there should be 10 or 15 guys who should be thinking they should score one or two goals every fortnight.”

Mitchell made it clear that “other guys” will have a few more opportunities to step up and “kick a goal” in the coming weeks.

The Saints face Newtown & Chilwell tomorrow, and Mitchell acknowledged the Eagles are “playing really good footy”.

“Their last few weeks have been really strong and they’re kicking lots of goals as well,” Mitchell said.

“They’re obviously enjoying the style of footy that they play and they’re getting rewards for it. We’ve just got to be switched on and realise that they are a side that can score and they can score quickly so we need to be prepared to be switched on all day and not have any lapses.” COLAC IMPERIALS v LORNE PW L % PTS