In a fantastic four quarter effort against the Saints on Saturday night, returning ruckman Nathan Vardy performed well under tough circumstances.

“We came into this week with a real focus to be ruthless at defence and try and put together a four quarter effort and finish off.

“At three quarter time we said we wanted to keep them scoreless and I think we did so it’s a credit to the boys how we ran out the game.”

With 100% of the ruckwork on his shoulders after Dawson Simpson went down with a serious knee injury in the second quarter, Vardy rose to the challenge. In his first AFL game since round 11, Vardy managed some much needed continuity with 16 touches, 19 hit outs and a goal.

“The last six weeks I’ve probably only played two games because of concussion and I hurt my back before the Brisbane game and we’ve had two byes.

“I think tonight with Daws going down I got that chance to run out a game well and get a bit of fitness in so it was good.”

Full of praise for teammate Steven Motlop, Vardy declared him to be a huge asset for the rest of the season and years to come.
“He has worked so hard over the pre-season and he started the year so well.

“Now he’s just continuing it on and hopefully holds that form into finals.”

Mitch Brown was impressive down back which came as no surprise to Vardy who hopes this is the time he will get his chance.
“Browny’s been dominating in the VFL, he’s been best-on week after week.

“It’s hard for him with Harry Taylor and Tom Lonergan and those tall defenders, it makes it hard because they push him out of the side.

“He’s just that guy who needs to get his chance and get a couple of games in and just build his confidence and he will take huge steps forward.”