Nick Riewoldt says St Kilda’s new system is bringing the best out of emerging young stars Jack Billings and Jade Gresham.
Billings, 23, has gone to another level in 2019, averaging 30 disposals a game and emerging as one of the competition’s premier wingmen.
Gresham, 21, is also enjoying more time through the midfield after spending a large portion of his career up forward – winning the club’s goalkicking award in 2018.
Saints great Riewoldt broke down how coach Alan Richardson and his team have simplified the club's game style.
“They’re playing a really uncomplicated style that they’ve changed a lot from last year,” Riewoldt told SEN Breakfast.
“They were number 18 for long kicks down the line, they were trying to switch the footy, they were opening themselves up and getting scored against heavily.
“They don’t have the blokes to play that way; to try and slice teams, switch and go through the middle like an Essendon.
“They’ve simplified it, they’re backing in their system in terms of they’re a good contest team, they apply good pressure around the ball, they’re fit, they can run, and they can work.
“It’s a simple formula, but they’ve all bought into it. You’re seeing some guys around the outside like (Jack) Billings and Jade (Gresham) – they’re thriving.”
The Saints are seeking their fifth win of the season when they host Adelaide at Marvel Stadium in a twilight fixture on Saturday.
Listen to Nick Riewoldt's chat on SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below