How Cairns trip can help Saints
A TRIP to the tropics might be just what the doctor ordered for St Kilda, with the visit to Cairns strengthening the bonds of the topfour hopeful.
St Kilda finished 10th last year, but after six games sits in a four-way share of second with five wins and one loss on the board.
Saints coach Brett Ratten said that since arriving in Cairns, his playing group had grown closer due to their extended time together.
“I think the beauty of getting away is that you start to have some conversations where you didn’t because you’re together all the time,” he said.
“It’s not just about training – then footy – then going home. It’s sitting on the bus, being at the hotel rooms, going for walks.
“The players get to have a greater knowledge of their teammates which is really important.”
As well as practice ahead of their Saturday night match against Port Adelaide, St Kilda has visited Far North schools, and checked out the AFL Cape York House and its work in bringing football to isolated northern communities.
Saints midfielder Jack Steele said the trip to Cairns had been awesome.
“The boys have really enjoyed the opportunity coming up here among the community and seeing a part of Australia they’ve never seen before,” he said.
About 10,000 punters are expected to roll into Cazalys Stadium for the spectacle, and Steele said he hoped the game would hold the AFL Cairns-St Kilda partnership in good stead for years to come.
“I think it’s a great place to come up, play footy and build some new connections,” the 26-year-old said.
“I know the players enjoy it and I’m sure the club loves it as well.”
Port Adelaide sits at the other end of the table, with one win and five losses.
The 14th-placed Power endured a long trip to Cairns, in which the touring party was forced into an overnight stay in Sydney before arriving late on Friday.