The Saints set the tone for this game early as Jack Steven won the first clearance, and had the first inside 50 to set up the first goal in the opening minute.
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But arguably the defining moment happened a few minutes later, after the Dogs had kicked the next three.
St Kilda might’ve panicked, but instead they regrouped, settled and pinched a couple at the other end to keep themselves within a kick.
It was back and forth between both teams for much of the rest of the night, but through perseverance and just enough finishing quality the Saints were able to keep their noses in front for most of it.
Early in the third term they looked about to kick clear, before the Dogs reeled off three goals seemingly in an instant to level the scores.
Once again, it looked as though the Saints might get overrun, but once again they steadied. They went into the final change with a one goal lead.
The Saints started the last term the stronger, but sadly the contest was marred by an injury to Jack Redpath, and then a sickening leg break for Mitch Wallis.
On top of the earlier injury to Dale Morris that left the Dogs tired and shattered, it meant they never really get going in the last quarter.
Inevitably, they tired more quickly, and just didn’t have the energy for the arm-wrestle that the last quarter became.
There was just one goal in the entire final term, and that from an unfortunate free kick, scored by the Saints. It was in many ways a sad end for a superb footy game.
But St Kilda shouldn’t mind winning ugly. They played some mighty football tonight, particularly in defence, but also at times in attack.
They had some real heroes in the manic Mav Weller, the effective Nick Riewoldt, and the ever-present Jack Steven, the latter collecting thirty-nine touches.
The Dogs had great performances from Bontempelli and Macrae, and by no means disgraced themselves overall, but nevertheless it was a dark night.
Not only did they lose the game and slip to sixth, but the injury to Mitch Wallis was truly distressing, and we’re not sure what the fate is for Redpath and Morris, who both had to leave the game early.
Let’s not dwell on the negatives though. This was overall a marvelous game between two truly committed sides.
Perhaps the skills were a little down on what we might expect, but that surely is down to the constant defensive pressure.
It was on a knife-edge for most of the game, and up until the final few moments could’ve gone either way.
The result gives the Saints a shot at a late finals charge, but whatever happens for these two teams in the rest of the season, it’s exciting to think what the future holds.
The Roar’s AFL MVP votes
3. Jack Steven (StK) – Not much doubt about this one. 39 touches, seven tackles and a goal only tells part of the story. He was involved with absolutely everything, and was the dominant player on the ground.
2. Marcus Bontempelli (WB) – Announced himself in the second quarter, when he had nine touches and 2 goals to keep the Dogs in touch. Stayed heavily involved for the rest of the game both in the midfield and forward, and finished with 25 touches, 7 marks and 3 goals.
1. Nick Riewoldt (StK) – Played forward more than in the middle tonight, and was highly effective in a game where that was very hard to do. He kicked four goals and had ten marks.
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