Fremantle’s winless start to the AFL season has continued in round 10 at Etihad Stadium, with St Kilda rallying late to triumph by 34 points.
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The Saints kicked the final nine goals of a topsy-turvy tussle on Saturday to prevail 15.11 (101) to 10.7 (67).
The result inflicted more misery on last year’s minor premiers, who had threatened to open their 2016 account after a withering quarter-time spray from coach Ross Lyon.
The visitors piled on six consecutive goals to take control of the contest, only for the Saints to respond in style.
Fremantle have a golden chance to finally bank some premiership points next Saturday when they host Essendon.
Victory can’t come soon enough for Lyon.
Not since Footscray opened the 1939 VFL season with 10 straight losses has a club finished in the top four then started their next campaign so poorly.
St Kilda regained the lead when Maverick Weller kicked truly with 12 minutes remaining and never looked back.
David Armitage was the leading best-on-ground contender, tallying a game-high 17 tackles, seven clearances and 28 disposals.
Jack Steven, Leigh Montagna and Nick Riewoldt were also influential, while Tim Membrey booted three goals for the hosts.
Lyon tore strips off his players after a listless start.
Fremantle were woeful in the first term, conceding the opening four goals of the game without so much as a whimper.
They trailed by 28 points at one stage.
Lyon was furious with the fact St Kilda laid 20 more tackles in the first term despite winning so much of the ball.
“I’m incredibly disappointed. We’re not serious really,” Lyon told Fox Footy after delivering his quarter-time address.
“Our inside midfielders aren’t tackling (or) working – forwards getting bounced off.
“Couldn’t be more disappointed to be truthful – I just want some character.”
Lachie Neale led an impressive response from the Dockers but the Saints stepped up when the game was in the balance.
Final score
St Kilda – 15.11 (101)
Fremantle – 10.7 (67)
Goal kickers
Saints: Membrey 3, McCartin 2, Bruce 2, Riewoldt 2, Armitage, Steven, Newnes, Weller, Gresham, Murdoch
Dockers: Langdon 2, Weller 2, Taberner 2, Walters, Pavlich, Neale, Sheridan
Disposal leaders
Saints: Steven 32, Roberton 29, Armitage 28
Dockers: Neale 31, Hill 26, Blakely 25
Team stats
Disposals: Saints 387, Dockers 360
Contested Possessions: Dockers 138, Saints 127
Tackles: Saints 101, Dockers 70
Inside 50s: Dockers 52, Saints 45
Clearances: Dockers 44, Saints 31
The Roar’s AFL MVP votes
3: Jack Steven – 32 disposals for Steven at a healthy 84% effectiveness, to go along with nine tackles, six clearances, five inside 50s and a goal.
2: David Armitage – Gave Tom Liberatore a fright with a whopping 17 tackles, while also gathering 28 touches, seven clearances and a goal.
1: Lachie Neale – Battled tirelessly for the Dockers, eventually finish with 31 disposals, nine clearances and a goal.
With AAP.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
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