Saints March On

Kim Densham reporting from Melbourne for AFANA 

It rained all Saturday, in stark contrast to Friday night when the Magpies played under summer skies with the roof open at Etihad and Melbourne looked resplendent as the world's second most livable city. Today she was in a different mood. As the wintery winds swirled and the rain pitched down at skewed angles, there was a sense of foreboding in the air.

The pregame warm up routines were just that, no hint of the extraordinary or of what lay ahead. Check out the action at: http://www.afana.com/drupal5/category/image_galleries/2011_season/2011_nab_cup/nab_qf_geelong_v_st_kilda/14-1593

Saint Kilda opened the preseason tournament with a similar intensity to their 2010 Finals campaign. Although the scars are not fully evident yet there seems to be a air of steely resolve, an inner smarting and an itch that will take the home and away season to be fully scratched. Tonight they came out with captain Nick Reiwoldt at the helm, the ship steadied and nearly at full strength, ready for the depleted Cats. Led out by new captain Joel Selwood, Geelong seemed to have enough familiar faces but with two obvious and noticeable omissions, Coach Bomber Thompson and former player Gary Ablett ( now dubbed Goldcoast Gary).

Despite winning the tap out from the opening bounce, the Cats were lacking and were found wanting on more than one occasion. The well-drilled Saints outfit was taking no prisoners, tackling with intent and ferocity, playing with focus, drive and determination. In the opening quarter it was apparent to the handful of fans who braved the fickle Melbourne weather that the seasoned confidence and slick 'hand to foot to team mate' movement that was vintage Geelong was not quite as polished as we had seen in the past two seasons. It was also apparent that St Kilda had come out to play.  Brendan Goddard staked himself a favorite for Brownlow Medal even at this early stage of the season. The new recruits and a new look taller forward structure, trialled during last weeks win over the Swans, were looking very dangerous.

By the three quarter break the game was over. Barring an injury, the die had been cast and like the foul weather, the Cats had to find some inner resolve and play out the final session before the long ride down the barren freeway home. Hopefully the big name outs will return to add structure to the season proper for Geelong. For St Kilda the fate of the draw has pitted them against Essendon. Let the mind games begin.