Former Greater Western Victoria Rebels' stars Brad Crouch, Dan Butler and Seb Ross were back in good form for St Kilda at the weekend as the Saints beat last placed North Melbourne by 20 points.
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The Saints led at every break to win 12.16 (88) to 10.8 (68), their fifth of the season.
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27-year-old Crouch picked up 26 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal in a near best on ground performance.
It was a significant and needed response after the Saints 111-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in round 10, a game that Crouch had 21 disposals at 57 percent efficiency in.
Butler returned a stronger performance too without kicking a goal.
The 24-year-old registered 13 disposals, 340 metres gained, two tackles (one inside 50), seven score involvements and 17 pressure acts.
Ross was solid in the midfield without setting the world on fire.
The former captain had 14 disposals, four tackles, five score involvements and a goal in the win.
Greater Western Sydney (GWS) midfielder Jacob Hopper and Brisbane star Hugh McCluggage enjoyed a good battle in sunny conditions at the Gabba.
Hopper won the individual clash, however, McCluggage and the Lions got the four points 19.15 (129) to 10.5 (65).
Hopper was one of GWS' top performers with 31 disposals, five score involvements, 438 metres gained and a goal.
McCluggage was quiet compared to his lofty 2021 standards, but still finished with 15 disposals, seven tackles, seven score involvements and a goal from the wing.
McCluggage sits equal second at time of writing in the AFL Coaches Association player of the year award with 50 votes.
He trails leader Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) by two votes and sits even with the Western Bulldog's Marcus Bontempelli.
Hopper isn't too far behind, sitting just outside the top 10 with 33 votes entering round 11.
Tom Berry was named as the medical sub for the Lions.
The 21-year-old has played in eight of Brisbane's 11 games, given medical sub duties five times.
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Ollie Nash
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
