Geelong vs St Kilda: AFL live scores, blog
Columnist By Justin Cinque, 17 Aug 2012 Justin Cinque is a Roar Expert
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- AFL, Geelong Cats, St Kilda Saints
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The curtain may officially be drawn on a golden era in St Kilda’s history when they fight to stay in the finals hunt against Geelong tonight at Etihad Stadium. Join us for live scores and blog from 7:30pm tonight.
St Kilda (10-9, tenth) has only ever won one flag and it was way back in 1966 and by a solitary point.
So this current group of Saints that has played in three losing Grand Finals in the last four years would have to rank as one of the greatest ever to don red, white and black.
St Kilda has played finals seven times since 2004, and in each season since 2008, but they probably won’t feature in September action in 2012 unless they win each of their last three matches.
And the task is made harder by the fact they are without captain and spiritual leader Nick Riewoldt who injured a knee last week.
Tonight, the Saints face a resurgent Cats outfit that in recent weeks has emerged as the knock-out premiership hope.
The double chance is out the window for Geelong (12-7, seventh) but victories in the last month over top four Adelaide and Hawthorn, and eighth-placed Essendon, along with a narrow, undermanned loss against the Eagles in Perth last week give Cat fans hope of a fourth premiership since 2007.
The Cats are playing their best footy since they won the flag by seven goals last September and tonight they welcome back five premiership players – Norm Smith medallist in a winning Grand Final against St Kilda Paul Chapman is joined by Joel Corey, Josh Hunt, James Kelly and Trent West as ins.
The Cats lose gun youngster Allen Christensen to a groin. Veteran ruckman Orren Stephensen played with a broken hand last week and will nurse that injury from the sidelines tonight. Inexperienced duo Cameron Guthrie and Jackson Sherrington join an omitted David Wojcinski as the other outs.
Last week the Cats were six points adrift of the Eagles at the end but having lost Tom Hawkins in the first quarter to concussion, and playing without the injured Kelly, Chapman and Corey, lacked the firepower to get the job done.
Arguably the competition’s leading power forward, Hawkins has been passed fit to start and the return of Corey, Chapman and Kelly to the midfield will be a massive boost for the Cats.
The Saints come into this match on the back of a five-goal win over Melbourne at the MCG last Saturday night. Seven days prior, the Saints were desperately unlucky to escape without at least a draw against competition heavyweights Collingwood – a blatantly incorrect umpiring decision costing St Kilda an almost-certain equalising goal and the opportunity to win the match from the ensuing central restart.
As mentioned above, Riewoldt is out for the Saints and Scott Watters will be hoping for another bag from former Eagle Beau Wilkes (who starred last week) to fill the void. Tom Ledger and Sam Dunell are dropped for this game.
They are replaced by the more accomplished Adam Schneider and Farren Ray. Utility tall Jason Blake brings height to a Saints team that will miss Riewoldt’s presence.
St Kilda still has a quality midfield that thrives at Docklands. Leigh Montagna, Brendon Goddard, Lenny Hayes and Nick Dal Santo are more than capable of causing plenty of problems for the Cats and the Saints would only need three of those four to have big nights to be in with a huge chance of victory.
I’m tipping Geelong tonight. The Cats are beginning to warm into finals. They’ve generally got the better of St Kilda over the last five years and I expect that trend to continue tonight.
Geelong by 20 points.
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The Crowd Says (130) | Page 1 of Comments
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- Explore:
- AFL, Geelong Cats, St Kilda Saints
10:33pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:33pm | Report comment
Join us again on The Roar.
10:33pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:33pm | Report comment
Thanks for joining me tonight.
Geelong firming in premiership betting. The end of an era in St Kilda’s history.
10:31pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:31pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Geelong 18.15.123 St Kilda 11.15.81
See-sawer. Geelong played brilliantly for three quarters. THey led by 34 at HT and then let St Kilda get back to within a point with 15 minutes left.
But then the Cats kicked their first goal of the second half and the floodgates opened.
This win qualifies Geelong for the finals, where they are every chance of playing at home in the first week. They will need to win four finals to win the flag but there is a good chance they won’t have to leave Victoria to do it.
St Kilda were good for 30 minutes – I liked Goddard’s game. He showed some of his better form for the year but in the end the Saints could only sustain that high level for that third term.
Without Riewoldt they lacked a key tall. Down the other end, Geelong had Hawkins playing like John Coleman in the second term (he finished with six) and Podsiadly his foil.
10:29pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:29pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
Geelong 18.15.123 St Kilda 11.15.81
Hayes scores a point on the bell.
Geelong by seven straight kicks.
10:27pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:27pm | Report comment
1 to go Q4
Geelong 18.15.123 St Kilda 11.14.80
Lethal says Geelong can’t win the flag. I’ll tell Leigh… they can.
10:27pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:27pm | Report comment
1 to go Q4
Geelong 18.15.123 St Kilda 11.14.80
Stokes sends it up to HF.
Motlop to Stokes.
Chappy marks at 30. HiS man Gram, was injured and Chappy made hay.
He’ll goal this time. Surely. Yep.
Cats by seven goals. SMashing em.
10:25pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:25pm | Report comment
2 to go Q4
Geelong 17.15.117 St Kilda 11.14.80
Geelong running riot in the final term. It was close 20 minutes ago. We actually didn’;t know if Geelong would be able to win.
10:25pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:25pm | Report comment
2 to go Q4
Geelong 17.15.117 St Kilda 11.14.80
Pods kept his feet in the pocket Opened up the angle and slotted his second. It’s a blow-out now.
10:24pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:24pm | Report comment
2 to go Q4
Geelong 16.15.111 St Kilda 11.14.80
In the end St Kilda weren’t good enough for anywhere near long enough.
They brought it for 40 minutes. Not enough.
10:23pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:23pm | Report comment
2 to go Q4
Geelong 16.15.111 St Kilda 11.14.80
Pods marks on the wing. Hawkins one out. Gwilt did very well. Beat Hawkins in an arm-wrestle.
Cats coming again.
Murdoch’s kick I50 is wasteful. Goddard intercepts. He’s been good.
10:22pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:22pm | Report comment
4 to go Q4
Geelong 16.15.111 St Kilda 11.14.80
Selwood spots up Stokes at 40.
This for a game-high lead. They were in a game ten minues ago.
Stokes gave it to Chappy and he missed again.
10:21pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:21pm | Report comment
5 to go Q4
Geelong 16.14.110 St Kilda 11.14.80
Goddard’s snap misses.
10:20pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:20pm | Report comment
5 to go Q4
Geelong 16.14.110 St Kilda 11.13.79
So St Kilda look finished for 2012 now. Their season never really got off the ground. That loss to Port in Round 1 could be so costly at season’s end.
Stoppage at FF for St Kilda.
10:19pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:19pm | Report comment
6 to go Q4
Geelong 16.14.110 St Kilda 11.13.79
Only concern as a Geelong fan is the Cats inability to put four quarters together.
BUT: Varcoe to come in. Chriso to come in. And five guys who didn’;t play last week in tonight’s team. Plenty of improvement in the Cats.
And now Motlop goals. Cats flying home. It was from the centre bounce.
10:17pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:17pm | Report comment
6 to go Q4
Geelong 15.14.104 St Kilda 11.13.79
They gave us a scare but they’re home now. HAWKINS HAS SIX!!
Up by 34, then a lone point, now 25. Catters home.
10:17pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:17pm | Report comment
6 to go Q4
Geelong 14.14.98 St Kilda 11.13.79
Johnson to Pods who marked well in front on the wing.
Goddard to Hayes.
Intercepted by Enright. Brilliant!!
Shorts it to Murdoch on the wing.
He kicked it out on the full. Now the Saints have given it straight back.
Hawkins marked at 40m. He can end it with his sixth.
10:15pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:15pm | Report comment
8 to go Q4
Geelong 14.14.98 St Kilda 11.13.79
Cats unsure on the wing.
Hayes to Goddard. Geary at HB.
Good pass into the path of Cripps. Got a bad bounce. Jimmy under duress.
Stoppage at HF for St Kilda, who have the scoreboard and clock against them now.
10:14pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:14pm | Report comment
9 to go Q4
Geelong 14.14.98 St Kilda 11.13.79
More stoppages at HF for Geelong.
10:13pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:13pm | Report comment
9 to go Q4
Geelong 14.14.98 St Kilda 11.13.79
Leigh Matthews saying St Kilda tightened up at the key moment in the final quarter.
I think Geelong has lifted after an uncharacteristic 45 minutes.
10:13pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:13pm | Report comment
9 to go Q4
Geelong 14.14.98 St Kilda 11.13.79
Mackie played in front. Schneider is unlucky to give away a free for holding in the contest.
Mackie will line up from the paint.
Free was there on second look.
Mackie’s long ball is straight. And long. GOALS
Cats home. They found at the key moment. CHAMPS ALWAYS GO
10:11pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:11pm | Report comment
11 to go Q4
Geelong 13.14.92 St Kilda 11.13.79
Johnson at HB. And Saad has given away 50 for encroaching.
Silly.
Johnson to FF from 80. Stoppage. If Geelong get the next one, they will win.
10:10pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:10pm | Report comment
11 to go Q4
Geelong 13.14.92 St Kilda 11.13.79
Only 12 possies for Selwood. He was in the news all week.
A 13th touch for Selwood and now wins a free but it’s at FB.
10:10pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:10pm | Report comment
12 to go Q4
Geelong 13.14.92 St Kilda 11.13.79
Saad wrapped up by Bartel at FF.
Stoppage at 20.
10:09pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:09pm | Report comment
12 to go Q4
Geelong 13.14.92 St Kilda 11.13.79
What do St Kilda have in the way of response?
10:09pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:09pm | Report comment
12 to go Q4
Geelong 13.14.92 St Kilda 11.13.79
Cats guns win the clearance. Bartel to Stokes. Turned over. Dempster marks at HB.
Throw-in HF for St Kilda.
10:08pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:08pm | Report comment
12 to go Q4
Geelong 13.14.92 St Kilda 11.13.79
Beautiful play from the Cats youngsters. Simpkin to Murdoch who marks at 45.
He goes back.
Long shot is straight. Murdoch showed something last week. That’s a big goal, in a big game there. I like him!
Cats kick away.
10:07pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:07pm | Report comment
14 to go Q4
Geelong 12.14.86 St Kilda 11.13.79
With Kosi subbed, McEvoy bloodied and Stanley hurt St Kilda are temporarily down their ruckmen.
10:06pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:06pm | Report comment
14 to go Q4
Geelong 12.14.86 St Kilda 11.13.79
McEvoy won a free in the ruck contest.
He has a bloodied nose and is sent to the bench to clean up.
Stanley injured for St KIlda. Might not come back.
Stoppage at HF for St Kilda now.
10:05pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:05pm | Report comment
14 to go Q4
Geelong 12.14.86 St Kilda 11.13.79
Dempster took a strong mark at HB.
McEvoy went to the wing.
Stoppage ensues.
Next goal huge.
Cats by seven. Saints still with momentum but Geelong the last.
10:04pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:04pm | Report comment
15 to go Q4
Geelong 12.14.86 St Kilda 11.13.79
St Kilda won another clearance. Wilkes went to FF. Hunt took the saving mark.
They say talls win big games. Can Hawkins get Geelong home?
10:03pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:03pm | Report comment
15 to go Q4
Geelong 12.14.86 St Kilda 11.13.79
St Kilda were down by 34 at HT. Have kept Geelong quiet since.
From the centre bounce. Geelong go fwd. Pods created the FF contest. Hawkins crumbed. He has five.
Geelong needed that. BACK.
10:03pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:03pm | Report comment
16 second response. Quick and necessary.
10:02pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:02pm | Report comment
15 to go Q4
Geelong 11.14.80 St Kilda 11.13.79
Clinical Sts clearance.
Over the back it went. Saints flyers hunt in on the footy. Schneider collects near the goals and PUTS IT HOME
ST KILDA FROM NOWHERE TO WITHIN A POINT
10:01pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:01pm | Report comment
17 to go Q4
Geelong 11.14.80 St Kilda 10.13.73
Saad GOALS from 45m.
He’s almost the best set shot in the comp.
ST KILDA CLOSING IN
10:00pm
Justin Cinque said | 10:00pm | Report comment
17 to go Q4
Geelong 11.14.80 St Kilda 9.13.67
Johnson bangs it to HF but St Kilda’s defensive stronghold in this second half continues. FIsher marked well.
Goddard at HF.
Short pass to Saad. He’ll go back. Big kick coming up from 45.
9:59pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:59pm | Report comment
18 to go Q4
Geelong 11.14.80 St Kilda 9.13.67
MIlne takes his man on. Gets to 50. Has everyone jumping in their seats. Poster!! CLOSE
9:58pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:58pm | Report comment
18 to go Q4
Geelong 11.14.80 St Kilda 9.12.66
Enright received on the run, wound up and missed.
9:58pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:58pm | Report comment
18 to go Q4
Geelong 11.13.79 St Kilda 9.12.66
Hayes on the wing. Kicks I50.
No mark. Cats play out from D.
Simpkin to HF. No mark to Hawkins. Motlop to Chappy. Bounce at 50.
Crowd wanted ball.
9:56pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:56pm | Report comment
19 to go Q4
Geelong 11.13.79 St Kilda 9.12.66
COREY OFF
SIMPKIN ON
Sub made for Geelong.
9:56pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:56pm | Report comment
Can St Kilda keep their season alive?
9:54pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:54pm | Report comment
3QT
Geelong 11.13.79 St Kilda 9.12.66
Geelong need a settling goal. I still believe they’ll win, they just need to settle. They got smashed in that quarter but only lost it by 20 points. If they were down properly they’d get beaten by 50 in the Q. Maybe the Saints aren’t good enough to expose to the Cats. Not sure but Geelong need to lift.
9:55pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:55pm | Report comment
Scott gave his Cats chargers a rev up. Can Geelong find something?
9:52pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:52pm | Report comment
THREE QUARTER TIME
Geelong 11.13.79 St Kilda 9.12.66
St Kilda coming home strongly. But Geelong have stopped.
The Cats didn’t kick a goal that quarter. Their all-ground dominance has diminished to insignificance. St Kilda are looking more likely right now.
The Cats look flat after playing so well in the first half.
But the Saints system is on top now. Goddard, Dal Santo and Montagna are having an impact and the Saints second stringers are doing the rest.
Geelong lead by 13 and only need to return to their first half form to win this well. But can they? They look tired. They tired last week too. Sometimes you can’t just flick good form on. Not when you can’t feel it.
9:50pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:50pm | Report comment
1 to go Q3
Geelong 11.13.79 St Kilda 9.12.66
Wilkes beat Scarlo on the bell. Scarlo down on his usual output
3QT
9:49pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:49pm | Report comment
1 to go Q3
Geelong 11.13.79 St Kilda 9.12.66
Long ball to FF. McEvoy marks from the side.
Stoppage at HB for St Kilda. They’re winning everything that counts.
9:48pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:48pm | Report comment
1 to go Q3
Geelong 11.13.79 St Kilda 9.12.66
J. Hunt to Scarlett in the middle.
Mackie marks in the middle.
Long ball to FF.
Lonergan almost at FF.
Dempster took them on. Almost gone. No free. Stoppage. Lucky Dempster.
9:47pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:47pm | Report comment
3 to go Q3
Geelong 11.13.79 St Kilda 9.12.66
Geelong showing no signs of waking up from this third-quarter slumber.
St Kilda continue to control it.
Now there’s a free to West on the wing.
9:46pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:46pm | Report comment
3 to go Q3
Geelong 11.13.79 St Kilda 9.12.66
Cats won a free on the wing. Goddard done for HTB.
Hawkins marked at 60. He shorted it to Chapman at 30.
Absolutely MUST GOAL.
Shanks it. Oh dear.
9:45pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:45pm | Report comment
3 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.12.66
This game has changed.
Geelong goalless in the term.
Haven’t been goalless in a term all year. Probably for ten years.
9:44pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:44pm | Report comment
3 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.12.66
Geelong need a goal. They haven’t gone I50 for more than ten minutes.
Free to Duncan at 80.
Can he find a target. Where’s Hawkins?
Enright is short. Johnson on the wing.
Cats slow it down.
Speared pass by Johnson is picked off by Schneider.
Saints continue to control things.
9:43pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:43pm | Report comment
4 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.12.66
Geelong has surrended dominance in all areas.
Saints on top everywhere.
Stoppages on the wing now.
9:42pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:42pm | Report comment
5 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.12.66
Enright at FB.
Now is the time for Geelong to lift.
Clearing kick to HB for the Cats is over for a throw-in.
9:41pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:41pm | Report comment
5 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.12.66
Montagna at HF. Passes to Dal Santo at FF and he’ll goal from 20m.
St Kilda are in complete control.
Geelong have stalled. Gone to sleep. Gone home.
Oh no!!! DAL MISSED A SITTER.
Repreive.
9:40pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:40pm | Report comment
6 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.11.65
Corey fumbles at HB. Geelong zzzzz. Wake up Catters.
9:39pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:39pm | Report comment
6 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.11.65
Schneider to Cripps.
St Kilda well on top. Making a real charge.
Down by 34 at HT, now in the game.
Cripps lining up from 48 on a massive angle. Misses badly.
9:38pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:38pm | Report comment
8 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.10.64
Geelong tiring here. They tired last week too.
They’ve travelled and they are battle weary.
9:38pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:38pm | Report comment
8 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.10.64
Stanley and Lonergan have collided at St Kilda’s HF line. Scarlo nudged Stanley which didn’t help matters. Both players sore.
Free to St Kilda at 50m.
Both players receiving running repairs.
Stanley will line up from the paint. He just missed.
9:36pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:36pm | Report comment
8 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.9.63
Goddard lifting. Saints charging.
Geelong need to wake up. Geelong hasn’t played four quarters all year. Haven’t tonight. Nothing offered this Q.
9:36pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:36pm | Report comment
8 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 9.9.63
Geary goes long to FF.
GODDARD. One out. Removes Mackie from the contest.
Goddard finding form tonight. Looks the goods. He should goal. He does.
He come the Saints. Here come the Saints.
9:35pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:35pm | Report comment
10 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 8.9.57
Stoppage on centre wing.
Weird quarter. Quite messy but the Saints are coming and Geelong’s dominance isn’t as obvious.
9:33pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:33pm | Report comment
11 to go Q3
Geelong 11.12.78 St Kilda 8.9.57
Cats go forward. Saints happy to concede a point.
Cats would love Hawkins to lift right now.
9:33pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:33pm | Report comment
11 to go Q3
Geelong 11.11.77 St Kilda 8.9.57
Armitage goals. Saints alive. Coming hard. Great team, giving one last fight.
9:31pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:31pm | Report comment
12 to go Q3
Geelong 11.11.77 St Kilda 7.9.51
Free to Ray on the wing. Umpie reckons Stevie J kneed Ray in the head when he was on the ground.
Schneider to Fisher. Stanley marks in the pocket. 15m out he should goal.
9:32pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:32pm | Report comment
Didn’t take the responsibility. He went back to Armitage on a better angle but 40m out.
9:30pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:30pm | Report comment
12 to go Q3
Geelong 11.11.77 St Kilda 7.9.51
St Kilda have lifted here. Making a game of it. Geelong need to wake up.
Saad took on Hunt at HF and is gone.
Next few minutes are crucial. Who goals next?
9:30pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:30pm | Report comment
14 to go Q3
Geelong 11.11.77 St Kilda 7.9.51
Geelong go on the attack. Murdoch from a bad angle just misses.
Kelly intercept marked. Gave it Stokes at 20 and he’s gone for HTB. What was that Kelly. Stupid. He gave up a shot from 20m out no angle to man under the pump.
9:28pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:28pm | Report comment
17 to go Q3
Geelong 11.10.76 St Kilda 7.9.51
St Kilda have come out firing here.
Ray’s taken a strong mark at 40.
The Saints are playing for their season. Ray must goal here from 45. To keep the momentum going.
He shanks it. Bad. Bad. Bad. They could’ve been within a couple of kicks. Poor kicking from Milne and Ray. But St Kilda rising.
9:27pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:27pm | Report comment
17 to go Q3
Geelong 11.10.76 St Kilda 7.8.50
Cats playing russian roulette in D. Didn’t work. No surprise.
Shot for St KIlda is just wide of the angle and marked on the last line.
Scarlo’s turned it over to Milne.
Milne misses from the pocket.
Kosi about to be subbed for Schneider.
9:25pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:25pm | Report comment
17 to go Q3
Geelong 11.10.76 St Kilda 7.7.49
Four Saints could’ve scored.
Milne has goalled from the line but they kept it alive forever. Probably overplayed their hand but a goal is a goal and the Saints have a faint pulse.
9:23pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:23pm | Report comment
17 to go Q3
Geelong 11.10.76 St Kilda 6.7.43
Gilbert missed on the run for St Kilda.
9:23pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:23pm | Report comment
18 to go Q3
Geelong 11.10.76 St Kilda 6.6.42
Johnson shorts it to Chapman. He was pushed late by Ray.
50 paid.
Chappy missed from 40.
9:22pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:22pm | Report comment
18 to go Q3
Geelong 11.9.75 St Kilda 6.6.42
Sts break off HB.
Milne’s bouncing ball has heart-rates rising. He missed. One point only.
9:21pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:21pm | Report comment
19 to go Q3
Geelong 11.9.75 St Kilda 6.5.41
Stoppage at FF for Geelong.
9:20pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:20pm | Report comment
19 to go Q3
Geelong 11.9.75 St Kilda 6.5.41
We’re under away again.
Kosi yet to register a stat.
Goddard I50 now. Watters going for it now.
9:02pm
Justin Cinque said | 9:02pm | Report comment
HALF TIME
Geelong 11.9.75 St Kilda 6.5.41
Cats very good tonight. Just a class above. A team that can win the flag against a team that can’t win the flag.
Hawkins was awesome in that quarter. For ten minutes he dominated like Dunstall or Carey. He’s going to be a megastar in 18 months I think.
St KIlda have never really gone away. On a bad night, they be down by 60+ dishing up what they have. Goddard hasn’t been a prolific ball winner but every time he’s touched it, something’s happened and he ignited a brilliant Saad goal in the middle stages.
The turning point in that quarter was when Lenny Hayes gave 50 away when he opened up the face of Taylor Hunt with a late, high, elbow/bump to the head of the Geelong tagger. He’ll get a few weeks for that. His season could be finished.
St Kilda came here to play for their season. They’re done now. This great era of preliminary and grand finals is over I think.
8:59pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:59pm | Report comment
0 to go Q2
Geelong 11.9.75 St Kilda 6.5.41
Geelong flying into September.
St Kilda’s golden era ending officially.
8:58pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:58pm | Report comment
0 to go Q2
Geelong 11.9.75 St Kilda 6.5.41
Johnson to Stokes at the gates.
Opens up for Duncan. He finds Pods on the lead at 40.
Geelong deserve to take in a six-goal lead. Probably eight or nine would be fairer but Pods can open this up with a straight kick.
His delivery is good. Geelong are home I think.
8:57pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:57pm | Report comment
2 to go Q2
Geelong 10.9.69 St Kilda 6.5.41
Hayes streaming into 50 greeted by boos. Hits the post.
8:56pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:56pm | Report comment
2 to go Q2
Geelong 10.9.69 St Kilda 6.4.40
Goddard good again at HB but the Saints are under duress.
Throw-in centre wing.
Saints not clean.
8:55pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:55pm | Report comment
2 to go Q2
Geelong 10.9.69 St Kilda 6.4.40
Cats use it well off HB.
Pods will wind up from 50 after taking a good mark on the lead.
Geelong probably should be up by 50 on the balance of play.
Pods from 50 can’t get the trip. One point. Kosi may’ve deserved a free for a push out. None coming.
8:54pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:54pm | Report comment
3 to go Q2
Geelong 10.8.68 St Kilda 6.4.40
Throw-in fwd pocket for St Kilda. Steven wins it. Should goal and misses.
8:52pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:52pm | Report comment
4 to go Q2
Geelong 10.8.68 St Kilda 6.3.39
Dal Santo’s banana just misses.
Selwood has a free at 50. Motlop shot to Stokes. Montagna gave him late treatment. 50! No says the ump.
Stokes doesn’t need 50 to goal.
Cats getting out to a well-deserved lead.
8:50pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:50pm | Report comment
5 to go Q2
Geelong 9.8.62 St Kilda 6.2.38
Stanley in front of Scarlett at 51, earns the free.
Saad in fact has the free at 52.
Geelong’s smalls win it in D but only get it to HF.
Goddard winding up. His elite kicking skills are having an impact.
Selwood to West. Made a bit of meal of it but earnt a free.
Hayes has taken out Hunt. Well Lenny Hayes has never done something like before. I’ve never seen this before from Hayes. He’s made late, high contact from behind on T. Hunt. Hunt is a bloodied and coming off.
Hayes will have a case to answer. 50 paid.
Lenny doesn’t have an enemy. But that was ugly from St. Lenny.
Motlop took the kick and goalled but Hayes is in strife.
8:53pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:53pm | Report comment
In my opinion, Hayes should get three weeks for that. But Lenny’s good record and great character will help him out. He just had a brain snap. Probably the first in his career.
8:46pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:46pm | Report comment
7 to go Q2
Geelong 8.8.56 St Kilda 6.2.38
From the centre bounce, West gets it at 50, has time to wind up and go BANG. Long, long ball is home.
Quickfire response.
8:45pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:45pm | Report comment
8 to go Q2
Geelong 7.8.50 St Kilda 6.2.38
Kelly on the wing for the Cats. Taylor to Stokes. No Mark. Bartel, checkside, low ball is picked off by Gwilt on the last line. Saints staying close enough to annoy here.
Mackie dropped it under not great pressure and now it’s a scrap. Saints win it. Goddard to Saad.
Dropped the mark. Got up. Took Scarlett on. Opened it up and rolled it home!!
WHAT A GOAL
SAAD LIFTS ST KILDA
RIPPING GOAL
8:43pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:43pm | Report comment
10 to go Q2
Geelong 7.8.50 St Kilda 5.2.32
Hayes to Gram. Steven on the wing.
Goddard now has a chance. FInds Wilkes nicely. Saints warming up. Finally.
Wilkes from the pocket. I’m not much of a set shot but I would’ve gone closer than that!
Wilkes missed by a mile. Throw-in.
8:41pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:41pm | Report comment
11 to go Q2
Geelong 7.8.50 St Kilda 5.2.32
Free to Selwood in the middle.
Beautiful pass to Murdoch at 50m.
He’ll go back.
LOng left-foot shot is straight but punched through for a point.
8:40pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:40pm | Report comment
11 to go Q2
Geelong 7.7.49 St Kilda 5.2.32
Saints use it well. Milne marks at 40. He plays on, snaps and snaps well. He’s the best snapper in the comp and it’s only because of Milne that St KIlda are in this game.
Three to the tip rat.
8:39pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:39pm | Report comment
11 to go Q2
Geelong 7.7.49 St Kilda 4.2.26
Stokes from Johnson misses from 20m.
St Kilda should be down by 40+. They are still in the game and haven’t brought much to the table.
8:38pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:38pm | Report comment
12 to go Q2
Geelong 7.6.48 St Kilda 4.2.26
Bruce McAvaney: I haven’t seen defenders this nervous since Lockett was playing.
Sums it up. Hawkins is a shooting star. They said six years ago he’d be a new Lockett. They were right.
Johnson marks at 50 and misses.
8:37pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:37pm | Report comment
13 to go Q2
Geelong 7.5.47 St Kilda 4.2.26
Cats rolling now. Stokes to FF> Hawkins v two made a contest. Jimmy Bartel laid a massive, unrewarded free kick. Saints under duress and turn it over.
J. Hunt marks at 40 and he’ll line up for goal.
Strikes the post.
8:34pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:34pm | Report comment
15 to go Q2
Geelong 7.4.46 St Kilda 4.2.26
Saints mucking around in D.
Montagna to Hayes. Cripps on centre wing. Stoppage.
From the stoppage. Saints go forward. Cats D works it out again.
Motlop to Bartel. Marks well.
Hunt to FF.
DUNCAN!! WHAT A MARK!!
FLIES at the back and marks. Nup. Umpie has said free to Hawkins.
Please umpie. What are you doing son. Pay the mark. Please.
Four to le Hawk.
8:32pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:32pm | Report comment
18 to go Q2
Geelong 6.4.40 St Kilda 4.2.26
Hawkins is the difference right now. Maybe Hawkins is the only reason why Geelong can win the flag.
8:31pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:31pm | Report comment
18 to go Q2
Geelong 6.4.40 St Kilda 4.2.26
Another mark to Coleman! I mean Hawkins!
He’ll go back from 25 yards. He’s the best forward in the comp right now and he’s got three tonight. Hawkins on fiyah Roarers.
8:30pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:30pm | Report comment
18 to go Q2
Geelong 5.4.34 St Kilda 4.2.26
T. Hunt to Duncan in the middle. Played on quickly and found Hawkins diving low to the ground.
Hawkins has improved a mile in a year. If he improves the same amount between now and next year, he’ll be the new John Coleman.
Hawkins’ long ball is straight but doesn’t quite have the legs.
8:29pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:29pm | Report comment
19 to go Q2
Geelong 5.3.33 St Kilda 4.2.26
Saints win the clearance, first of the second. Long ball I50. Milne at the fall. Game over. Snaps another ripper!
Just the tonic…
8:24pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:24pm | Report comment
QUARTER TIME
Geelong 5.3.33 St Kilda 3.2.20
Geelong lead by 13 points but could’ve/should’ve led by 30. They’ve clearly been the better team. Their pace and use of the ball off HB has been the highlight.
But St Kilda have taken their chances, profited from some poor discipline and stupid free kicks given away by the Cats – including an off-the-ball foul by Joel Selwood on Montagna that gave Saad St K’s third of the night.
Geelong look the better team but if Dal Santo, Goddard and Hayes (all quiet) can get involved, they’ll fancy their chances.
The Cats really will feel like St Kilda are too close for what they’ve dished up.
8:22pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:22pm | Report comment
QUARTER TIME
Geelong 5.3.33 St Kilda 3.2.20
Kosi dropped a mark at FF.
Geelong break quickly. 3 on 1 I50 and 5 seconds left. Motlop fumbles at 10m with two seconds. Butchered a goal!!
SIREN
Saints would be happy with the scoreline. It’s quite flattering.
8:21pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:21pm | Report comment
2 to go Q1
Geelong 5.3.33 St Kilda 3.2.20
Stokes from T. Hunt to Jimmy. His kick was poor. Geary marked in D.
Geelong would be frustrated with this scoreline. Ill-discipline has kept St Kilda in the game early.
8:19pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:19pm | Report comment
2 to go Q1
Geelong 5.3.33 St Kilda 3.2.20
McEvoy out of the ruck. Booted it to 40m.
Joel Selwood has given away an off-the-ball free kick for bringing down Montagna in a tangle near the bulls-eye. Not great from the captain but looked a bit harsh.
Saad lining up from 45. Straight kick. Goals.
8:17pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:17pm | Report comment
3 to go Q1
Geelong 5.3.33 St Kilda 2.2.14
J. Hunt marks at 55 for Geelong.
He’s going back. He’s got a massive, massive boot. Gives it some air. Didn’t make perfect contact. Helped on for a point.
8:16pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:16pm | Report comment
3 to go Q1
Geelong 5.2.32 St Kilda 2.2.14
Stanley took them on, got to 20. His shot was poor. It tumbled weakly through for a point.
8:15pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:15pm | Report comment
4 to go Q1
Geelong 5.2.32 St Kilda 2.1.13
So Geelong winning all areas of the ground I feel.
Another clearance.
Kelly I50.
McEvoy strong in front, marks well in defence.
8:14pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:14pm | Report comment
5 to go Q1
Geelong 5.2.32 St Kilda 2.1.13
Cats playing three talls I50.
Cats again go fwd. Hawkins marks at 50 this time.
Geelong should be in front by five goals. Dominant for 80% of this. Saints have made the most of their few chances to stay in the hunt.
Hawkins long ball is straight. Goals from 55. Hawk is back to his best after a slow first 20 minutes.
8:12pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:12pm | Report comment
6 to go Q1
Geelong 4.2.26 St Kilda 2.1.13
Saints failed to make full use of their third 50m pen.
Geelong rebound fast. Hawkins in good position, marks in front of Gwilt.
Goes back and goals.
8:10pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:10pm | Report comment
8 to go Q1
Geelong 3.2.20 St Kilda 2.1.13
Crowd sounds unusually quiet tonight.
Hmmm
Now the Cats go forward once more. Pods at HF, goes to Hawkins at FF. Hasn;t been isolated as Scott said pre-match.
Free to Johnson in the pocket. Hayes gone for HTB. He was pinned.
Johnson played on from 15 yards in traffic and loses it. Now 50 to the Saints. It’s all happening here!!
8:11pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:11pm | Report comment
Well the Saints players didn’t clear the five-metre zone as Johnson lined up and it’s no surprise he was beset upon. He should’ve got a free.
8:09pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:09pm | Report comment
8 to go Q1
Geelong 3.2.20 St Kilda 2.1.13
Long kick to the top of the square and WEST takes a big mark.
He’ll goal from 10 yards.
He does.
8:08pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:08pm | Report comment
12 to go Q1
Geelong 2.2.14 St Kilda 2.1.13
Pods to Bartel at 30. Jimmy’s back may’ve been ridden into but there was no free and St Kilda’s D works it out okay.
Hunt at 75m.
Poor kick inboard. Scarlo beaten to it. Saints go long in hope and Mackie mops up.
Duncan beat two in the air. Big mark and Gram gives up 50 for taking too long to give the footy to Duncan after his fine mark.
8:05pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:05pm | Report comment
12 to go Q1
Geelong 2.2.14 St Kilda 2.1.13
Cats go coast-to-coast for a point.
Murdoch to Johnson at HF. Chapman marked at 15, snapped and missed.
8:05pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:05pm | Report comment
Chappy kicked a ripper in the third term of the 2009 GF v St Kilda snapping high from the pocket. His accurate shot that day could well have been the difference.
Tonight, he shows us his snapping skills aren’t infallible.
8:04pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:04pm | Report comment
12 to go Q1
Geelong 2.1.13 St Kilda 2.1.13
Taylor marked at HB.
Saints won it in the middle. Cripps’ long ball misses.
Al square now.
8:03pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:03pm | Report comment
14 to go Q1
Geelong 2.1.13 St Kilda 2.0.12
Corey in the middle to Stokes. No mark to Dempster at HB but the Saints working into stride nicely now.
Stanley under duress. Kelly at ground level. Enright finds Milne, who is beset upon illegally by Mackie.
Free on the wing.
8:01pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:01pm | Report comment
14 to go Q1
Geelong 2.1.13 St Kilda 2.0.12
50 now against Kelly after the centre bounce. For encroaching on the marking area.
Geary was marched to 20m, where kicked truly. Goals.
8:00pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:00pm | Report comment
14 to go Q1
Geelong 2.1.13 St Kilda 1.0.6
From the stoppage, the ball came to Milne. He’s a gem in these situations. Snapping is his forte. He kicks another round his body.
Saints on the the board.
7:59pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:59pm | Report comment
14 to go Q1
Geelong 2.1.13 St Kilda 0.0.0
Geelong dominating key posts in the early stages.
Walker done for a throw at 50 and Stevie J pretends he doesn’t hear him, plays on and is done for 50!
Crowd’s quiet at the moment, no excuse for Johnson.
Saints go back to HF, effectively wasting the 50.
Farren Ray on the wing.
Throw-in at HF for St Kilda.
7:58pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:58pm | Report comment
15 to go Q1
Geelong 2.1.13 St Kilda 0.0.0
Gram’s pass to FF is marked by the Cats backline and Geelong handpass out of D like it’s round 15, 2007!!
Mackie’s long ball to West finds the floor. Stokes’ poked pass to 30 isn’t marked. Walker at FF can’t get a clean handle on it.
One point.
7:56pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:56pm | Report comment
18 to go Q1
Geelong 2.0.12 St Kilda 0.0.0
Gram smashed Scarlett in a big tackle at HF. Bounce for St Kilda.
7:56pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:56pm | Report comment
18 to go Q1
Geelong 2.0.12 St Kilda 0.0.0
Hunt’s never kicked two in a match before.
Geelong went forward again. Saints working it out of D at the moment. I’m thirsty but the frantic start isn’t helping. I can’t get a sip in!
7:55pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:55pm | Report comment
18 to go Q1
Geelong 2.0.12 St Kilda 0.0.0
Eric Bana looks quite serious in the Saints coaching box. I wonder if he’ll be offering any assistance to Watters tonight.
7:54pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:54pm | Report comment
18 to go Q1
Geelong 2.0.12 St Kilda 0.0.0
Cats on the attack once more.
Hunt was looking for his second. Mackie at 55 sends a long ball to FF. Hunt again. Goals again.
Two in a row to T. Hunt. He’s in unchartered territory. Not a noted goal-kicker, on track for 80 goals tonight.
7:52pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:52pm | Report comment
19 to go Q1
Geelong 1.0.6 St Kilda 0.0.0
Dal Santo gave it to Geary and St kIlda went forward first.
Cats win it at HB and break.
Mackie in the middle. Long ball to Jimbob Bartel. No mark. No free. T. Hunt crumbing, weaving, snapping and goalling.
Cats get the early first.
7:50pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:50pm | Report comment
About to go.
Players to their positions.
Enjoy this.
7:49pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:49pm | Report comment
Goddard won the toss and pointed to the right of screen.
7:44pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:44pm | Report comment
Chris Scott says he wants to isolate Hawkins 1v1 I50. That’s exciting stuff.
Remember, Scotty’s brother doing the same with Petrie at North a month back and the Dish single-handedly won the game for North against Richmond.
Is Hawkins going to kick six tonight?
7:42pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:42pm | Report comment
Saints on the ground.
Catters in the shed. About to come out now.
Roof closed. Big crowd in. We expected as much.
7:40pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:40pm | Report comment
So we are just over 10 minutes away from the first bounce.
Midfield battle will be interesting tonight – Saints have all their class in the engine room and the Cats have plenty to. Clearances, hard-ball gets could decide this. St Kilda need to win those stats to win tonight in my opinion.
Tom Hawkins got injured last week. The Saints defence will be keen to keep him quiet early. They don’t want his confidence to rise.
St Kilda need to find a goal-kicker without Riewoldt. Milne could well be the man.
7:31pm
Justin Cinque said | 7:31pm | Report comment
Good evening Roarers for the live blog of this season-shaping game between Geelong and St Kilda from Etihad. Both teams need to win – Geelong to keep their momentum into finals going (noting they haven’t yet locked in a top eight spot) and St Kilda because their season can only stay alive with victory tonight.
It’s a biggie.
One late change.
Jason Blake was an in for Riewoldt but hasn’t come up. Rhys Stanley replaces him in the seclected side.
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Geelong: Steve Johnson, Jordan Murdoch, Josh Walker
Substitute: Jonathan Simpkin
St Kilda: Jack Steven, David Armitage, Jamie Cripps
Substitute: Adam Schneider
8:15pm
Justin Cinque said | 8:15pm | Report comment
Blake omitted, not injured.