St Kilda destroyed the Western Bulldogs in the second half to win their AFL match by 63 points on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.
Saints onballer Lenny Hayes starred with 30 possessions, seven clearances and a superb third-quarter tackle as his team won 15.13 (103) to 5.10 (40).
The Bulldogs kicked the last three goals of the game to avoid some unwanted history.
Until Ryan Griffen kicked their third goal 19 minutes into the final term, the Bulldogs were in danger of recording the second-lowest score in club history and their biggest losing margin against the Saints.
The ‘Dogs doubled their score in the second half of the final term.
Incredibly, they had four more inside 50s for the match but the Saints’ defenders completely smothered their opponents and routinely cleared the ball with ease.
Adding to a shocking night for the club, Bulldogs defender Brian Lake appeared to be reported in the final term for allegedly striking Saints youngster Tom Simpkin.
When Daniel Giansiracusa kicked the Bulldogs’ second goal early in the third term, they reduced the margin to 25 points.
But the Saints then blew the game apart with a five-goal rampage in 12 minutes and had a 69-point lead at the last change.
Hayes laid a superb tackle on Easton Wood early in the third quarter that set up Jack Steven, who snapped a great goal.
The only negative for the Saints was defender Sam Gilbert, who appeared to suffer a lower back injury and was subbed off early in the third term.
St Kilda extended their winning streak over the Bulldogs to seven games, while the ‘Dogs remain winless under new coach Brendan McCartney.
Captain Nick Riewoldt and utility Brendon Goddard were also high among the Saints’ best, while Stephen Milne was well held by Rober Murphy before kicking three second-half goals.
Bulldogs small forward Luke Dahlhaus never stopped trying on a disastrous night.
Elwood Miles
Guest
You would assume this would equate to big dollars st.kilda's way, being a Saints home game, perhaps even on Anzac Day. Not to mention the AFL is going ape on expanding the game, I can see how they pitched it to Demetriou now, "It starts with just one game on a historic day that unifies the two nations.. Anzac Day. Except we have an match away played in Wellington.' Jump ahead a bit. "And in a year or two, you're talking with NZ big wigs about who is willing to splash the most cash your way to have airing rights." Except the Predictions from Wellington officials state they believed about 5000 St.kilda fans traveled interstate to attend matches at each interstate away match, although you have to ask one question, how many Australians would be willing to travel to Internationally, albeit not far, on a National holiday to attend such a match. Personally I think the only people who would attend this match would be Australians in NZ, some Kiwis who've lived over here and and a strong loyal group of Saints/Opposition supporters. Perhaps it's not the wisest business investment from the AFL, as many Kiwis, as noted from the posts in reply to the aforementioned article, state that even the most sports obsessed Kiwi is generally a sports specific nut, ie They may be quite knowledgeable about their sport of choice, but generally reside to being either a League; Union, Soccer or Cricket fan. If they, the AFL invest in this, I think it's a decision they'll have to stick with it for some years for it to become profitable.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Saints exploring the possibility of playing a home game in Wellington as soon as next season: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/6753181/Fair-dinkum-Aussie-Rules-coming-to-Wellington
Elwood Miles
Guest
I love your confidence Eric as I too am a saints supporter, but I don't think saints have the ability to push for a flag for another twoish years, they're doing very well for a team that that is based of stars and kids. I would hedge a bet that you wont see the likes or Polo, Ray, Peake, Kosi and perhaps even Gilbert on our list in 2 years time, unless one of them were to lift in a dramatic fashion. They likes of Milera; Stanley, Sipposs, Newens, Simpkin, Ross and Sadd will be the St.Kilda of tomorrow, with many proving themselves to be potential stars and much hype surrounding others, although it's silly to think that every player your team picks up will live up to their tags of "future star" or "amazing athlete, with strong hands only needing more match experience." Just sit back and watch mate, only time will tell whether our amazing team will be able to bring home the cup, Hell, I would love it to be this year, but i just can't see it happening. Long story short, GO SAINTS!
eric zaurrini
Guest
i know its very early in the year, but saints have a very good chance to win the flag in 2012 based on the early season performance and a fit side , but then im a saints supporter from sydney for the past 20 years or so----long time between drinks ????????? eric zaurrini go saints