Coach Brett Ratten is confident St Kilda can start getting the ball in Bradley Hill’s hands more often as they aim to bounce back in Sunday’s AFL clash with Essendon at the Gabba.
After the Saints’ loss to Geelong on Monday night – where Hill had just seven disposals – Ratten lamented a failure to make the most of their star recruit, who has averaged just 14.6 disposals this year.
But before their clash with the Bombers, Ratten was confident the Saints midfield would be better at sharing the ball around and wouldn’t over correct in their bid to get Hill more involved.
“It’s something that I think we’re just missing in our game for him and for us and there’s a balance,” Ratten said.
“We don’t want Bradley to get the ball when he’s in poor positions and just call for it – yeah the numbers look good (but) that doesn’t help us either.
“So there’s a real balance between giving him the ball when he’s in good positions versus giving him the ball in poor positions.
“So the team knows that – we’ve addressed it this week, we tried to address it at halftime (against Geelong) – I think we’ll see it shared amongst everyone.”
The Bombers have largely played with a smaller forward line this year but added tall James Stewart to the mix in recent weeks.
Ratten said the Saints were prepared to tackle any changes thrown at them.
They will be without gun midfielder Jade Gresham (back stress fracture) but Zak Jones will face the Bombers after being rested against Geelong, along with Paddy Ryder.
Midfielder Seb Ross trained on Friday and could return from a calf issue.
Essendon are winless in their past three after Wednesday’s draw with Gold Coast but despite losing David Zaharakis (quad) are poised to welcome back rested pair Michael Hurley and Sam Draper.
Jacob Townsend (concussion) is set to return after sitting out the Suns game while the Bombers said ruckman Tom Bellchambers (bone bruising in knee) would be given every opportunity to play.
But Essendon won’t risk veteran defender Cale Hooker (calf) against the Saints.