St Kilda’s newest recruit Liam Stocker has broken down what his 2023 is going to look like at the Saints.
The former first-round pick was shockingly delisted by the Blues at the end of 2022, having played 28 games across his first three seasons in a Carlton guernsey.
Stocker played just eight games in the Navy Blue last season, yet admits he was surprised to be delisted by the club.
“To be honest I didn’t really see it coming, now that could have been me being blind to the writing on the wall too,” he told SEN’s The Run Home.
“I played the last couple of games for the Blues when we lost those famous one-pointers to the Dees and to Collingwood, and finished off my season pretty well with VFL final.
“I guess when you have a year like that at AFL level, which I didn’t think was up to standard to be honest, you put yourself in that position and the club made the decision that they had to.”
After spending the start of pre-season with St Kilda, the club decided to sign the utility via the supplemental selection period.
To go alongside his new colours, Stocker looks to be playing a slightly different role to what he’s used to.
“A small shift so far, I’m probably not playing deep anymore and sort of more of a rebounder off the half-back line with Jack Sinclair and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, I’ve really enjoyed the role,” he said.
“I’ve done a little bit of time inside and a little bit of time on the wing in match sim, but I think that’s where I’ll start off and hopefully things can progress from there.
“To be honest, having an injury-free pre-season, my running capacity is back where it should be and I’ve really enjoyed the freedom that comes with that.”
For Stocker, the aspect of the Saints that impressed him the most was the vast knowledge of their new coach Ross Lyon.
“I have so much respect for Ross Lyon, his knowledge of the game and particularly knowledge of my game is what impressed me but more than anything, the loyalty that he factors in between player and coach has been incredible for me,” he said.
“He didn’t owe me any of that when he first came to the club, but he was really simple with me and really honest.
“That’s kind of his mantra, he protects us players and we play for him, I think that’s why he’s had so much success as an AFL level.”
Even with this mutual respect, Stocker was on the receiving end of some of the harsh words that Lyon has become well-known for.
“Personally I can see why he’s intimidating,” he said.
“Going into the Christmas break, Ross had some pretty stern words with me and just said ‘this is your make or break here so you come back in good nick and the rest will fall into place, but if you don’t then you’re basically giving up on your dream’.
“Overall for Ross, he just wanted to see that I had the appetite and hopefully that’s what I’ve proven to him so far.”
The Saints look set to kick off their 2023 campaign with a Round 1 clash against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, March 19.