The season is ‘alive’ again

I've made plain, in this and other forums, my distrust of television coverage of AFL as a guide to what actually went on. Nevertheless, it's clear from the telecast of this afternoon's St Kilda-Geelong contest that the Saints can indeed match it with the big boys.

The Cats' forward line was exposed as ordinary without the presence of Steve Johnson — and, more importantly, WITH the presence of Tom Hawkins. There must be some huge question marks hanging over the young bloke's head right now. He didn't appear to give a bleat when the game was there to be won. Similarly, Mark Blake's contribution was well and truly outshone by the less-heralded Mumford.

The Saints, by contrast, showed that they have a good enough spread of talent and desire across the ground to take on anyone with a degree of confidence. I've been a doubter, but the Saints have convinced me today.

A loss will sharpen the Cats' appetite, and they were, in any case, not far away from the Saints who benefited from an amazing start. The Cat's won't give up the first five goals too often and they all but hauled the Saints in, which would give them significant confidence for a rematch.

I still think it's the Cats' Premiership to lose, but there is clearly another genuine contender.