Almanac Football: Should Sam Gilbert be a Saint in 2019 or not?

Last week, St Kilda’s Recruiting and List Manager Tony Elshaug stepped down from the role.

 

Out of contract players at the end of 2018, Sam Gilbert, Maverick Weller and Billy Longer are said to feel that their futures are uncertain.

 

On Wednesday, Gilbert told Fox Footy that he wanted to play on next year whether he would be a Saint or not.

 

At night, I saw a discussion if Sam should play for St Kilda or not in 2019, on the closed St Kilda supporters Facebook group.

 

Opinions are split.

 

Some fans urge that Gilbert should go because of his poor on field performances.

 

His kicks are often inefficient. Such performances waste our opportunities to score goals.

 

I admit I am often frustrated with his poor kicks, but his chasing of the footy is what I admire. However I don’t rate him a good player.

 

The article mentions that the club has long term projects in defense with Logan Austin and Hugh Goddard. Also, there are Jake Carlisle, Nathan Brown and Jimmy Webster forming the back six on field.

 

Dylan Roberton is a good defender, but facing health issues in his heart. He is not sure if he continues AFL career or not.

 

If he has to go, we can’t let Gilbert go; otherwise our back line list will weaken.

 

I hope Roberton is healing well, and want to see him playing on field next year.

 

Leadership issues hit the club. We have too many youths to play.

 

It is the reason why some group members want Gilbert to stay. But one member argues that we have senior players including Carlisle, Steven, Ross and Newnes, so Gilbert should go.

 

After the retirements of Riewoldt and Montagna, we had big gaps. Their leadership skills were great and playing skills in running and kicking were also awesome. We lost skills on field.

 

Then the veteran defender’s departure would widen the big hole.

 

However there is a point that a player who can’t kick well should be a skipper or not. It was discussed on the SEN’s Run Home last year with David Schwarz and Mark Allen.

 

Personal kicking accuracy and then directing other players to grab the ball is required to be a good leader, I think.

 

But on the other hand, we still need veterans’ experiences to improve on field skills.

 

Gilbert turns 32 in August and his ability is on the downhill, unfortunately.

 

If our leadership is strong, I would advise Gilbert to hang up the boots.

 

Under the current circumstances, he should stay at the club, but I would give him the role of mentoring young players on the bench or in the coaches box.

 

His position would be advisor to leaders and players. This position would be given to Riewoldt and Montagna.

 

We really need strong mentors.

 

I would love to hear your thoughts on Gilbert.

 

 

Yoshi has written extensively on his passion tor the Saints. If you wish to read more, Click Here.

 

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About Yoshihiro Imagawa

Love, passion and pride are seen on the footy that is the biggest part of my life. 1. St Kilda Club member: I am a passionate and crazy Sainter. Just hope we will win the second flag soon, especially after Dogs and Tigers having ended long premiership draughts. 2. The Osaka Dingoes Player and Public Relations Officer: Player number 44 that I chose to honour Stephen Milne with my wish being like a small forward like him. Lenny Hayes' hardworking attitudes are adopted on my trainings and practices. Nick Riewoldt's great plays are in my player audiobook too. 3. Writing: Here on the Almanac and also on the World Footy News. My skills utilise on great footy websites.

Comments

  1. John Butler says

    Yoshi, the naked man will accept any pair of trousers he can lay his hand on.

    Before the Saints can decide the fate of any player they need a clear picture of where their list stands.

    And the bloke principally charged with that just quit.

    Complicated.

  2. The short answer is “No”, my friend.

    Elshaugh was the sacrificial lamb.

  3. Yoshi did you know that Schwartz and Allen are back on radio on another station Macquarie sports radio?

  4. G’day and thanks for your comments folks. My apologies not to respond earlier.

    John – Yes the circumstances are complicated. Gibo seems a loyal Saint, but play list should be good.

    Smokie – Thanks for your honest opinion on Elshaugh. I really can’t believe he let Goddard and Dal Santo go and traded McEvoy. Dunstan is good, but I don’t rate Savage positively.

    Noel – Yes and I have listened to their new show on the Macquarie Sports. But as it’s the national show, they talk about NRL as well. I hate rugby league and want to hear about AFL much more.

    Cheers

    Yoshi

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