With the Saints opening NAB Cup clash against Brisbane and Essendon only eleven days away, the team is looking strong and performing well after a rigorous preseason training program.

Draftees Jamie Cripps, Sam Crocker, Tom Ledger, Arryn Siposs, Tom Curren, Warrick Andreoli and Jackson Ferguson are all enjoying their first preseason campaign with the Saints.

Jamie Cripps has shown why he was the Saints first round selection in the draft, impressing coaching staff and his peers with his professional attitude towards training and hard working nature.

New recruits Ryan Gamble and Dean Polo have settled in well to their new surroundings at the Saints and the Club is excited about what they can add to the side this season.

Both players are extremely versatile and can play a number of roles within the side.

Gamble’s ability to play as a marking forward, as well as a defender, is particularly useful, as it will help share the workload and relieve pressure on the other key forwards.

The new assistant coaches have also made their mark on the Club, with head coach Ross Lyon extremely pleased with his new assistants and what they will bring to the side.

“To get a Club champion back through the door in Robert Harvey, who has got two years experience at another Club, is a real bonus. Plus add King, Kingsley and Berbakov, who all have amazing work ethic and great footy brains,” Lyon said.

With the innovative NAB Cup format, which sees each Club play twice, the Saints will take the opportunity to play a host of its up and coming players, whilst also kicking off the Clubs 2011 Premiership drive.

Make sure you’re there when the Saints take on Brisbane and Essendon in the 2011 NAB Cup competition on Friday 18th February at Etihad Stadium. Under 18’s can get in for free by registering with the AFL, with adult tickets only $20 or $11 for concessions. Click here to buy your tickets now.

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