The development of key position player Matthew Uebergang has been pleasing so far in 2016, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.

A product of Redlands in the NEAFL and recruited with pick 16 in last year’s rookie draft, Uebergang stands at 194cm and 91kg. The athletic big man has performed solidly as a forward for Peel Thunder, but Lyon said he’s been impressed with his ability as a key defender.

“We’ve been really pleased with him,” Lyon said. 

“We’ve been playing him up forward but he came out of the NEAFL and was defender of the year up there.

“Everyone got excited seeing him up forward but he went back and attacks the ball really hard.

“He’s a lovely kick and decision maker and he’s quite young at 19, so we’ve been thrilled with his development.”

Talking Points: Rd 10 v St Kilda

While Uebergang’s athleticism would be a positive addition against St Kilda’s tall forwards, Lyon said he wouldn’t rush the defender into the side, with pressure around the ball remaining the first priority against the Saints. 

“They’re quite a tall team, they could play four talls,” he said. 

“It doesn’t matter who you play there, unless you put good pressure on up the field they’re going to kick goals.

“We’d like some pressure around the goals first and foremost.”