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In a much-hyped clash at Etihad Stadium today, the St. Kilda Saints have made it 13 in a row over the disappointing Melbourne Demons.
REPORT: RIEWOLDT START IN SAINTS WIN
The Saints stormed to a 39-point win, the speed of their ball movement troubling the Demons all day and leading to a whopping 20-goal onslaught that Melbourne could not defend.
Melbourne began the game the better team, bringing pressure to every contest and executing their skills with precision. Jesse Hogan and Sam Frost contributed two early goals each.
The Saints soon worked into the game on the back of foot speed and quick ball movement, taking advantage of Melbourne defenders who were continually pushing up and leaving themselves vulnerable. The Saints should’ve gone into the first break on top, but sloppy shots on goal let them down.
The second quarter began with the Saints on fire, kicking the first four goals as the Melbourne defence watched on helplessly. Nick Riewoldt had a monstrous term, with his great hands and running ability on display, the captain chiming in to add another two goals to his name. Hogan’s straight kicking continued to keep the Dees in it, but by the time the main break was over, the Saints had control.
The second half was all St Kilda, whose fleet-footed brigade of skilful ball users continually carved up their opposition, pouring on goal after goal in a dominant performance. Melbourne were continually ambushed in defence, unable to keep in touch with the much more determined Saints. Tim Membrey kicked five goals in his first game this season, while Riewoldt and Josh Bruce also ended with three apiece.
Jesse Hogan was a sole hand up forward for the Demons and ended with a sensational 7-goal haul, but unfortunately it amounts to nothing as his team slumps to its third loss. Viney and Jones battled hard all day but it was not enough to stop the St Kilda barrage. Petracca’s first day at the office had some shaky moments, but he showed enough to suggest he will soon be a force for the navy and red.
Melbourne well and truly failed today, and questions will now be asked of their mental toughness and defensive gameplan. It might be back to the drawing board for the coaching staff as they look for a way to improve a backline that was far too easy to score against. It makes the clash against the Gold Coast next week all the more important, as both teams will be locked on 3 wins and looking to make the jump against their competitors.
Blake Acres had a career-best day for the Saints, with an all-round great performance which included two goals, five tackles, and 28 disposals. Jack Steven and Billings were fantastic at ground level, but it was a truly even contribution from St Kilda which led to a great win. With a game against the 6-0 Kangaroos looming, the young team will be brimming with confidence. A great win for a developing club and one they will be very proud of.
Final score
Melbourne Demons 15.6 (96)
St Kilda Saints 20.15 (135)
It’s halos versus horns on Saturday as the St Kilda Saints take on the Melbourne Demons at Etihad Stadium! Join The Roar for live rolling coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).
The last time Melbourne won three games in a row, it was August 2010 and Kevin Rudd had just usurped Julia Gillard for Prime Minister of Australia. It’s been almost six years, but finally the Dees have the opportunity to do so again and truly rubber stamp their long-awaited new era.
We’ve heard about light at the end of the tunnel, and it looks like Paul Roos was the torch bearer they needed. After two great wins against Collingwood and Richmond there’s no doubt this club is coming out better on the other side – but it’s not all rose-coloured heading into this clash.
If history between two teams is a good indicator of a result, all signs point towards a Saints victory – the ugliest fact of all being that Melbourne hasn’t been able to beat St Kilda since 2006. Add to that the terrible reality that the Demons haven’t beaten a Victorian team at Etihad in their last 22 attempts and you’re left with a very ugly proposition if you’re a Melbourne supporter.
Talk about atonement!
St Kilda currently look like adopting the not-so-coveted title of Mr Inconsistent 2016, still yet to give any real indication of where they are as club, with a glistening performance and a lifeless loss coming back-to-back in the past fortnight. However, they have a total stranglehold on this match-up – will they bring their best and extend the win streak to 13?
Between history, form and talent, today shapes up as an incredibly even contest that could very well be decided by a few moments of individual brilliance. The Saints are still being marvelously led by Nick Riewoldt, who continues to defy expectations and star for this team week-in, week-out. Jack Viney has been sensational of late, taking the reigns as the go-to man of the Demons midfield.
This game holds extra intrigue for Melbourne supporters, as former No.2 draft pick Christian Petracca will finally be unleashed, coming into the side at the expense of the very unlucky Angus Brayshaw. If he’s half as good as his reputation suggests, the hype train will be steaming out of that once dark tunnel without a seat to spare.
There are a few changes for the Saints as well. Tom Lee, Paddy McCartin and Jack Lonie drop out, while Jade Gresham, Tim Membrey and Blake Acres will come in.
The Demons win this, and suddenly September doesn’t seem so far-fetched anymore – but we’ve seen what the Saints can do when they’re on. If Melbourne makes the mistake of bringing their B-game, they will get taught another very harsh lesson. This season-shaping clash could go right down to the wire.
Prediction
Every time I go against history I get shown up – but Melbourne’s revival is too contagious to not get caught up in. Tipping the Demons by 6 in a thriller.
Will it be the Melbourne Demons or the St Kilda Saints who take the next step forward in season 2016? Join The Roar from 1:45pm (AEST) for live coverage, and join the discussion.
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