Collins’ debut
Sam Collins played his first game of AFL football against St Kilda and put forward a sound effort against the Saints' potent forward line. Collins often lined up on Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey and accounted well for himself when opposite Saints' champion Nick Riewoldt. The young defender read the ball well and displayed composure with the ball on a number of occasions and while he still has room for improvement, there were promising signs in his first game.

Collins embraces AFL challenge
 
Young Freo Trio impress
Three of Freo’s second year players impressed against the Saints with Connor Blakely, Ed Langdon and Lachie Weller all having an impact on Saturday. Blakely continued his good form with a career-high 25 possessions while Langdon and Weller both hit the scoreboard and finished with two goals each. 

Slow start
Freo put together a mighty effort but had to fight their way back into the game after a first quarter that was all St Kilda. The Saints kicked five goals in the first quarter and could have been more if not for some errant shots at goal.
 
Saints speed comes in clutch
With the game in the balance in the final quarter, St Kilda utilised their speed and spread on numerous occasions and looked dangerous on the rebound throughout the final term. While Freo’s press was able to keep the ball congested, the Saints found their way over the back on a number of occasions and took advantage by using their space to free up key forwards Tim Membrey and Josh Bruce at crucial times.  

Crozier credits youth
 
Stats that lied
While Freo often pride themselves on their pressure and tackle ability, the tackle count was convincingly one sided as the Saints had 101 to 70. For all the tackling advantage St Kilda had, it didn’t feel like a true reflection of the game as Freo were constantly putting the Saints under pressure but were unable to create a stoppage as a result.