Lyon Pleased with Baker’s Return

28 Feb 2009

THERE weren't too many highlights in St Kilda's NAB Challenge win over the Western Bulldogs at Visy Park on Friday, but Ross Lyon managed to find a couple.

The stifling conditions made for a difficult afternoon, with players on the bench sitting in front of giant fans and water misters.

But the return of tagger Steven Baker, whose 2008 campaign was ruined by suspension and knee problems, was particularly pleasing for his coach.

"I just spoke to Bakes then and he was rapt to be back. It’s been a long haul," Lyon said after the game.

"We thought he was adequate. It wasn’t an AFL game at its fiercest tempo, but it was reasonable in the conditions, so he’s taken another step forward.

"I didn’t look at him and think, 'Gee, he’s an injured player and he looks [underdone]'. I just thought he rolled off a couple of times well and he laid a couple of tackles."

Lyon said Baker was a really important part of the side and hopes he will be ready for round one.

"Look, he’ll play a part – it’s a bit like the Goose (Matt McGuire) one, how big a part is up to fitness and form," he said.

"He’s a 28-year-old B and F (best and fairest) winner, he’s a hard nut, and opposition small forwards probably don’t like playing on him. But he’s had a rough road with injury and suspension."

Sam Gilbert has played most of his career in defence but the Saints used him in attack against the Dogs. He had a significant presence, moving well and kicking a couple of goals.

"That experiment’s continuing," Lyon said.

"What’s going to allow that is as long as our team defence is good, and it was reasonable today, it’s going to help Xavier Clarke and Colm Begley and those boys play back.

"If we can team-defend pretty well, it takes the pressure off another legitimate tall.

"I was probably pleased with his ground-level [work]), with that recovery goal. It’s just a little bit different to some of the others we’ve got."

Source: www.saints.com.au

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Lyon Pleased with Baker’s Return

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