Selected at pick No. 18 in the 2015 AFL draft, Jade Gresham has played 64 games for St Kilda. Playing as a small forward he has tallied a total of 79 career goals. However, this promising player is finding success in a new role as coach Alan Richardson has moved Gresham in the midfield.
Former Melbourne captain, Garry Lyon praises Richardson’s decision to re-position the young Saint, stating that Gresham is better utilised around the football as opposed to being trapped up forward.
“St Kilda’s forward half pressure was fantastic; they turned the footy over and Alan Richardson was prepared to make some changes,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“(Jack) Billings goes higher up the ground and looks polished. (Jade) Gresham was outstanding through the middle – put your best players where it matters.
“Jade Gresham is always going to be a three-goal forward inside 50. He’s gone to the midfield and changing the way the game is resulting in the middle."
Labeling Gresham as one of the best players on St Kilda’s list, former St Kilda Captain Nick Reiwoldt, applauds Richardson for his brave change.
Since being deployed in the midfield for the opening two rounds of the 2019 season, Gresham has averaged 22 disposals and one goal per game. It’s clear the Saints are benefiting from this positional switch as they move into round three 2-0, looking to secure a third consecutive win over Fremantle.
