Former St Kilda coach Tim Watson believes the Saints looked better without 2014 number one draft pick Paddy McCartin on the field in Round 1.
St Kilda withstood a stern Brisbane Lions squad on Saturday, running away 25-point winners to get their season off to a winning start.
However, McCartin struggled to have an influence, kicking one goal, having seven disposals and being the Saints’ lowest ranked player on the ground via Champion Data Player Ranking points.
“He didn’t have a great game Paddy McCartin,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“I think that the longest and deepest discussion that St Kilda will have post this game is whether or not they can play those three blokes (McCartin, Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey) in the forward line.
“I don’t think McCartin, from what I saw on Saturday, he didn’t have the athleticism and the capability to do and move the way they want him to.
“During that game, they actually looked a better team when he was off the ground.”
St Kilda has tried numerous forward line frameworks over the past 12 months, with Alan Richardson yet to settle on a proficient structure.
The Saints will look to maintain their perfect season against North Melbourne on Good Friday.
Listen to the best bits of this morning’s episode of SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below!