St Kilda forward Tim Membrey has lauded new goal kicking coach Ben Dixon for the processes he is attempting to implement, in order to fix the woes that arguably cost the Saints a finals berth in 2017.
Among St Kilda’s worst offenders in front of goal were Maverick Weller [9.18] from 30 shots, Jack Lonie [6.13] from 20 shots, and Jack Billings [17.26] from 48 shots.
The Saints were ranked 17th in overall accuracy and 16th in set shot accuracy, and coach Alan Richardson has appointed Dixon, who kicked 282 goals from his 203 games with the Hawks, and previously worked with Collingwood to try and fix their yips.
“He’s been in there working really closely with guys like Jack Billings and Jade Gresham, and Josh Battle,” Membrey told SEN Drive.
“He’s been a breath of fresh air coming in, put a new goal kicking program in front of us, the guys have really jumped behind it, we’re getting plenty of shots in.
“It is a crucial part of our game goal kicking, and at times the pressure can build. When it really matters you need to be able to back yourself, back your process in and really kick the goals because they are important.”
Membrey who was one of the Saints most accurate in front of goal, booting 38.14 from his 20 games in 2017 said spending extra time on the craft has been of major benefit.
“I certainly do now [spend enough time practicing],” he said.
“There are times where the workload from the high performance guys might be a little bit concerned with a lot of the kicking at training.
“Certainly when you can and when it gets ticked off by the fitness staff we try and get out there as much as possible, because it’s an important craft of our game.”
The Saints get their 2018 campaign underway against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday March 25 at Etihad Stadium.
To hear Tim Membrey's chat with Jack Heverin and Cam Mooney on SEN Drive listen in the player below: