St Kilda captain Jack Steele believes there is one standout element regarding the difference between this year’s Saints and last year’s side.
Under Ross Lyon so far this year, the Saints own a 5-1 record with a healthy percentage of 142.9 which has them perched proudly on top of the ladder.
Following their 22-point win over Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, Steele was asked by Blues great Mark Maclure what he believes to be the main difference between the 2022 Saints and this current group.
“Complete buy-in, from not only the 23 playing, but the whole list,” he said on SEN’s AFL Nation.
“Ross has really set up a competitive, fun, challenging environment for us to thrive in. He is asking quite a lot of us, but we’re coming to the party.
“We’re enjoying things. We just need to keep the ball rolling and keep rewarding some of the efforts we’re seeing out there.”
After such a strong beginning, are the Saints daring to dream?
Steele admits his thoughts have at times drifted towards the ‘F’ word, but admits the failure of last season under Brett Ratten provides a cautionary tale.
The Saints were sitting in the top four at the midway point of 2022 before eventually missing finals, which is something they can learn from under Lyon.
“You do naturally start to drift towards the end of the year, but Ross is pretty good at pulling us into our process and what we’re doing well and what’s getting us the four points each week,” Steele added.
“I think we were in the same position this time last year and didn’t make finals, so that’s a good lesson for us is to live in the now.”
Maclure quickly offered: “I agree with you, but you’re better than you were last year.”
To which Steele replied: “I agree.”
Steele was solid against the Blues in his return from a collarbone injury, picking up 19 disposals and laying five tackles.
The Saints will take their impressive record with them into Round 7 where they kick off the weekend’s proceedings against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.