bainsy. and he was wearing a hat.
St Kilda training in New Zealand, Patrick McCartin gets laughs after slipping over
- 2 days ago December 08, 2014 2:51PM
Paddy McCartin contests with Leigh Montagna at St Kilda training. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia
ST KILDA‘s gruelling training camp continued on Monday with a four-hour training session in the morning followed by hill sprints in the afternoon.
The Saints worked through running drills and match scenarios at the Davies Oval, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of several rugged mountains.
The Saints‘ first-year players were involved in the strategic drills but completed a modified running program.
Paddy McCartin is sandwiched by Leigh Montagna and Brenton Payne. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia
Coach Alan Richardson said he was thrilled with how the draftees and new rookies had settled in during their first week with the playing group.
“The expectations are really just that they commit to their footy, their teammates and the footy club, and that they do whatever they can to improve,‘‘ Richardson said. “There will be a lot of hard work in achieving that.
The morning training session ended with a light-hearted contested marking drill. The players paired off, then took turns to contest high kicks from coaches. Each player who took a contested mark progressed to the next round, later in the week, while his beaten opponent was eliminated.
No.21 draft pick Hugh Goddard copped a bloodied nose in one of his several bouts with ruckman Bill Longer, who eventually progressed with an overhead grab.
There was much mirth when No.1 pick Paddy McCartin, slipped and was eliminated at the first kick by smaller midfielder Seb Ross.
Several of his teammates jokingly called out “Bainsy‘‘ to onlooking St Kilda list manager Ameet Bains, who oversaw McCartin‘s drafting with the No.1 pick.
The Saints have several more match-practice training sessions planned for the rest of the week, as well as team meetings to reinforce their game style. There are also boxing and water polo sessions, with a hike up The Remarkables mountain range planned for Friday. The group flies back to Melbourne on Saturday.
Arryn Siposs sits out training after injuring a shoulder. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia