Saints sweat on VFL-listed stars for September

ST MARY’S co-coach Glenn Keast says the availability of his VFL stars remains up in the air as both the Saints and Geelong’s VFL team look to head deep into September.

Key forwards Aiden Grace and Sam Dobson both returned from VFL duty for the clash with St Joseph’s, and underlined their importance by combining for seven goals between them. series, with the two teams likely to meet again in a qualifying final in the first week.

“I was really happy with our game up until the last 15 minutes,” Keast said after the 13.12 (90) to 12.13 (85) victory.

“Whether we stopped or they were coming, it was probably a bit of both, so for us it was good to get the win and move on to the next couple of weeks. Obviously we probably play them again in three weeks’ time.

“We tried a few things and I’m sure they did as well, and (for) both sides while we don’t

There is a likelihood that at least one of the pair will be with the Cats’ VFL side during September.

Dobson has played just five GFL games this season, while Grace has played the past month in the hoops, booting four goals against Richmond VFL last week.

“In terms of the VFL boys, if they go deep into finals it’s going to be a week-to-week know what’s going to happen with the VFL (player availability), there could be variation in the make-up of the sides, so there’s still a fair bit to play out.”

The returns of VFL pair Aiden Grace (three goals) and Sam Dobson (four goals) had an immediate effect, with both hitting the scoreboard thanks to supply from Josh Cowan and Harry Benson in the Saints’ barnstorming opening term.

St Joseph’s fought back to narrow the margin to just eight points at halftime, and scrapped again in a thrilling proposition that will just depend on AFL injuries and VFL injuries,” Keast said.

“We had a few out today as well, so we’ve still got some players to come back in.

“Our forward structure was much better today.

“Grace and Dobson certainly gave us good movement and when we got forward 50 entries, we looked dangerous.” final 15 minutes, with Grace the only goal-kicker of the term for St Mary’s. It proved to be vital. “The reality is we were disappointed with the effort last week, so the players put it on themselves to bounce back playing a good side,” Keast said.

“The competition does have its unevenness and there are games you know you’re probably going to win and there’s ones you know you’re in for a good battle, and every time you play St Joeys you know you’re going to have to earn your stripes.”

Trent McMullan, Sam Siggins, Patrick Dowling and Harry Kol have all played for the VFL Cats this season, as has Werribee’s Max Augerinos, making the St Mary’s line-up a headache for Keast and co-coach Travis Robertson each week.

Tom Lang has also played as the 23rd man for Geelong in the past fortnight.