lot of competition in our forwards and I think the three players up front did an amazing job today, said Koeman.dddddddddddd Sadio, Shane Long and Dusan Tadic... I think it was the key to make

For more than three months, since round six to be precise, the AFLs top eight has remained unchanged and immovable. The competition had had a two-speed feel about it, the contenders all very clear and distinct, and the up-and-comers slogging away in the bottom half of the table without threatening to upset any of the big boys.But all of that could change if St Kilda beat Sydney at Etihad Stadium this Saturday night, and Hawthorn beat eighth-placed North Melbourne. It is at that point that the Saints, non-finalists for four straight years, can actually talk up the notion of playing finals, because Norths draw is very tough (Sydney and GWS to come), while St Kilda face Richmond and the hapless Brisbane Lions to close, both winnable games.In short, if St Kilda win all three games to finish the season and North loses all three, eighth spot would change. It might be unlikely, but it is a tantalising prospect for St Kilda fans.In truth, though, it does not matter so much. Regardless of whether the Saints play finals or miss out narrowly, it has made massive strides in 2016.St Kilda has been in building mode since Ross Lyons departure in acrimony at the end of 2011, missing the finals and twice changing coaches; from Lyon to Scott Watters to Alan Richardson. It is only now that the build carries some weight.Richardson was known as a great development coach as he did the rounds of the clubs, awaiting his opportunity as a head coach. Now that he is in charge, he can apply that sense of empathy that brings out the best in players and he has been a profound success at St Kilda.Granted, his list management people have served him well in a rebirth largely built upon clever trading above all else. Look at the players from other clubs who are significant figures in this team: ruckman Tom Hickey, forwards Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey, defender Shaun Dempster and midfielder Mav Weller to mention but a few.Other things have fallen for Richardson, in particular the fact that his veterans have hung on well. Leigh Montagna has pulled out a great year at 32 and Nick Riewoldt is a remarkable player still at 33. Both have embraced different roles -- Montagna as a running back and Riewoldt up as far as the wing -- and played brilliantly.Significantly, you can easily identify what Richardson wants in terms of game style and that is not the case with some other new coaches. The Saints apply pressure around the football that is in the elite category, force turnovers and then run forward hard and quickly. It is a two-sided game and it has allowed St Kilda to compete with everyone this year. It has a Ross Lyon 2009 look about it.A couple of questionable umpiring decisions -- a play-on call in the game against Hawthorn in Launceston in round four and a blocking free kick against Hickey that gifted North Melbourne the match-winning goal in round seven -- will reverberate if the Saints miss the finals, as is likely. These are the what-if moments of the season, games that could have been won.But St Kilda is back as some kind of force. In 2017 it will pop the suspended Jake Carlisle into its team to plug the gaping hole in the middle of their back half, and Paddy McCartin, the No. 1 pick, will be a year older and stronger.Just how much of a force will be told this weekend. Can the Saints topple the mighty Swans? Its doubtful, but it wont die wondering. Its not in its DNA.Dak Prescott Jersey . Its the second straight game Bell has scored in extra time for Kelowna, which beat the Brandon Wheat Kings 6-5 on Friday, and he now has four game-winning goals on the season. Leighton Vander Esch Jersey . The phone hearing is scheduled for 4:30pm et/1:30pm pt. Winchester, who was not penalized for the hit, appeared to make contact with Kellys head early in the first period of Thursdays game in Boston. https://www.cowboyssportsgoods.com/Womens-Leighton-Vander-Esch-Inverted-Jersey/ . Thats about all he can do right now, so hes trying not to think about when he might be able to play again for the Los Angeles Lakers. Amari Cooper Youth Jersey . Miikka Kiprusoff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run in Calgary and it would be up to Berra and Ramo to fill the void. Tony Dorsett Youth Jersey . Those lessons were more than enough to overwhelm the Utah Jazz. Lou Williams scored 25 points and the Hawks continued their offensive upswing as they rolled to an easy 118-85 victory over the Jazz on Friday night, winning their third straight and for the fourth time in five games.Ronald Koeman was full of praise for his players after Southampton thrashed Manchester City 4-2 at St Marys on Sunday.Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick as the Saints netted four for the second Premier League game in a row, and Koeman was delighted with the performance of his side.Its very good to win against teams like City, Koeman told Sky Sports. You have to be at your best and the first 45 minutes was already more than our best. We played great football, created a lot of chances and scored two fantastic goals. Sadio Mane kisses the match-ball after scoring a hat-trick in Southamptons 4-2 win We were unlucky a little bit to be 2-1 at half-time, but in the second half we did everything you need to win against teams like City.I like a team who played from the start to win the game, and if we show that, Im enjoying football like today.Koeman was also full of praise for his attacking trio of Mane, Shane Long and Dusan Tadic, who caused City all kinds of problems at St Marys. Long scored the first before Manes hat-trick, while Tadic provided three assists for his team-mates. Jose Fonte felt Southamptons third goal made all the difference as Man City had made a strong start to the second half We have a lot of competition in our forwards and I think the three players up front did an amazing job today, said Koeman.dddddddddddd Sadio, Shane Long and Dusan Tadic... I think it was the key to make it very difficult for Citys defenders. Dusan is a type of player where if he gets some freedom, hes dangerous. He sees the options to give at the right moments, thats one of his big qualities.The result leaves Southampton in seventh place in the Premier League, and Koeman is hoping his side can go on to secure Europa League qualification. Its a very important win because it means were still fighting for Europe, said the Dutchman. Weve passed Liverpool and thats good.We know we need maybe two more wins, but I think weve shown in the last few months some great football and spirit, and if we show the belief we showed today, then maybe its possible.Its all about the final part of the season. Last year was fantastic - we had 60 points, now we have 57. Maybe we can do better than last season, and that will be incredible.Also See:Southampton 4-2 Man CitySouthampton fixturesAs it happenedGet a ￡10 free bet! ' ' '