Ben Stratton is feeling on top of his game leading Hawthorn’s defence after missing a high-majority of last season with a crippling PCL injury.
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The 29-year-old, who is a potential match-up for St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin in Launceston on Saturday night, said he had no fears about returning to the ground in which he ended his 2017 campaign against Brisbane in round 8.
“The boys are looking forward to getting on the road and playing our first game outside of Melbourne for the season,” Stratton said.
“It’s good to be back playing and seeing what this young group can produce. I’ve sort of got a new lease on playing footy since returning.
“I joined the leadership group last year and because I wasn’t playing it felt like I was a bit on the outer and it has given me a new purpose and challenge.”
The multilingual Stratton, who is known as much for his defending as he is his deejaying, mircobrewing and mullet, will have to help cover for the loss of James Sicily (suspension) down back, while the Hawks will again be without injured trio Cyril Rioli, Paul Puopolo and Grant Birchall.
He said the next crop of Hawthorn stars are now starting to show signs of what the side can achieve, with hiccups like last week’s loss to North Melbourne used as a learning tool.
“We’re slowing building the chemistry in defence required and the younger blokes have gone from playing 15 to 25 games and that experience helps – it’s good to have a stable backline,” Stratton said.
He expects Alan Richardson’s charges to take the game on – just like they did at UTAS Stadium last season when they stormed home by 75 points. St Kilda has played 11 matches at the venue and has left Tasmania winners on six occasions.
“I’ve watched a few of their games and they love to run and carry,” the 151-game, three-time premiership defender said.
“Their key defender in Jake Carlisle likes to sit back and mark the footy and then they’ve got Paddy McCartin who has shown some good form with three goals last week.
“He has stepped up for them without Josh Bruce so we will get challenged as a back line.
“I’m unsure of who I will pick up, I could go tall or small depending on match-ups.”
St Kilda are ranked 15th in the competition with just one victory, a draw and three losses having struggled for accuracy in front of goal so far this season.
They have successfully converted just 39.8 per cent of their opportunities and kicked just 45 goals – the least of all the clubs.
The midfield battle will be an intriguing one with both teams statistically strong in that area.
The Saints will hold a training run at UTAS Stadium from 3.30pm to 4.15pm on Friday, followed by the seventh-placed Hawks at 5pm.