Saints primed for strong AFL finish: Geary

Aug 15, 2017 - 2:50 AM Newly re-signed St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary says it important the Saints finish the season strongly even they fall short of the AFL finals for the second successive year.

In 2016 St Kilda finished ninth on percentage and could end up in a similar position this season as they sit in 11th.

With matches against North Melbourne and Richmond remaining, they are a mathematical chance although Geary conceded it was unlikely.

"Over the next couple of weeks we've got some improvement we need to have in a number of areas and that will be our focus," said Geary, who announced Tuesday he had extended his deal until the end of 2019.

"Let's improve those things and if results go our way, we'll be happy."

The Saints' push for the finals came unstuck against Melbourne last round when they let the Demons get away to a 40-point lead midway through the second quarter.

Geary said his team needed to improve their defence and contest ahead of their clash with the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

"They smashed us around the ball and all over the ground," Geary said of Melbourne.

"They outnumbered us around the ground, which is going to give you not too many opportunities to win the ball back off them. Then defensively, we weren't able to catch them, particularly early."

The match is club great Nick Riewoldt's last home game, with the former skipper set to play after missing the Demons match following a head knock.

Geary said the team wanted to ensure they delivered a fitting performance.

"He's been a champion of the game, a champion of the football club and he deserves every pat on the back and accolade he gets," Geary said.

Source: AAP