Joeys plan to put squeeze on Saints

ST JOSEPH’S coach Heath Jamieson has promised to “bring some heat” in its second semi-final against St Mary’s today.

Jamieson was impressed with what he saw of the young Saints in their 87-point domination of Bell Park in last week’s qualifying final, with St Mary’s getting its running game going on the wide expanses of Simonds Stadium.

The newly re-signed St Joseph’s coach has set his sights on not allowing St Mary’s any room to move.

“We were interested onlookers last week, I thought they were super,” Jamieson said. “They were very damaging when they got going. We’re going to be trying to bring some heat early in the game, making them uncomfortable and making sure they don’t get any confidence up or run on early.”

St Joseph’s has had to make some difficult calls, with youngsters Pat Kelleher and Tom Denning both omitted for star midfielder Brant Haintz and ball winning backman Alex Hickey.

Twenty-year-old Kelleher can feel most hard done by, being one of only five Joeys to have played every single game in the home-and-away season.

The half forward has kicked 19 goals, including a haul of four in Round 5 against the Saints, while ruckman/de- fender Denning has featured 13 times. As Jamieson points out however, they are a victim of circumstance rather than form.

“(They are) very stiff, both boys haven’t done a lot wrong,” he said. “It’s a good thing for our footy club, playing our best side in the most important game. If you are squeezing players out you are in a good spot, and certainly we’d rather be in that position than giving games to guys who don’t deserve it.”

Jamieson believes there is a solid group of players in the reserves who are ready if called upon including Kelleher and Denning, yet after bringing back VFL regulars Ben Moloney and Callum Mitchell in the last round of the season, the minor premier is perhaps rolling out its strongest side at the pointy end of the year.

Geelong VFL-listed Luke Webb will not take part in today’s clash as he is still feeling the effects of glandular fever.