The Saints have consolidated their spot in the top eight with a gritty 19-point win over the Blues at Etihad Stadium.
It was the home side that started the quickest, as they kicked four of the first five goals to build a healthy 20 point lead in the first quarter.
However, the Blues fought back, kicking the next three goals to make it a three-point game at the end of 1.
The second quarter was a tussle, as both sides kicked two goals, and we had a surprisingly tight game at the main break.
Jack Billings had a field day in the first half, and looked set for a massive game with 17 touches and four goals.
The third quarter was almost identical to the first, as the Saints kicked three goals in a row to build another 20-odd point lead.
But once again, the Blues managed to peg them back, with Cripps and Gibbs kicking late goals to make it a 5-point margin at the final break.
The Blues started the final quarter with a purpose, as they got a goal from Patrick Cripps to establish a 2-point lead.
Alas, that would be their last significant score of the match, as the Saints showed why they’re a finals chance in 2017 with a controlled final quarter.
They kicked three goals to close out the game, and a thriller didn’t get the ending it deserved.
Jack Billings ended up with five goals to be best on ground, while the Carlton midfield brigade were very good in defeat.
Final score
St Kilda Saints 12.13.85
Carlton Blues 10.6.66
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Apparently St Kilda players had been sledging Murphy above what is normally acceptable on the field. Murphy was so offended at what had been said that he only shook hands with a couple of St Kilda players after the game. Paul Roos has said the nature of the sledging reflects poorly on the St Kilda FC.
Rasty
Guest
That's unusual behaviour from Murphy, as always one could suspect something had gone on previous to that incident that might have motivated him. As has been iterated already some of the signs are looking very promising if the Blues are able to hold this crew together.
me too
Roar Rookie
Carlisle took an accidental knee to the head which knocked him senseless. As he lay on the ground Murphy ran up to him and bent over him and gave him a spray. Geary remonstrated and everyone came in. Pretty poor act by Murphy. Carlton played well. Will need to find avenues to goal going ahead, but they have some ticker and some real talent coming through. No easybeats under Bolton. Being young they'll have some off games, but when on, will give anyone a good contest. With the results this week and last, most fans should be happy just to get a win, it's an interesting season.
Macca
Guest
Jack on Wllimon he played with my nephew and my brother in law always says he'll never let you down for effort - how he got to 61 After his great combine is beyond me
Macca
Guest
Yeah pretty good considering th result, although my Carlton supporting daughter (7) really gets down when we get behind, when it was 6points to 7 st kildas way the phrase "we are never going to win" was uttered! I am not sure on Murphy but it only started after the brawl late in the third (a fair way from my seats) which saw Carlisle make his way to the bench gingerly with his hand in his shorts - so you can hazard a guess. The best thing about the day (outside if Cripps marking) was the fact we kept find a way back into the game. I think Bolton coaches really well,at times today he almost let the saints have the midfield battle as long as we kept enough pressure on to make them kick into the forward line rather than just run it in, where we would win the marking battle and control the ball out.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Macca, did you have a good day at the footy with the family despite the result? Why was Murphy getting booed by the St Kilda supporters? Overall another good defensive performance, just need to eliminate silly turnovers and mistakes. St Kilda deserved the win as they were the better side on the day but plenty of positives for us Blues supporters.
Macca
Guest
Agree Kane, I really hope Cuningham has another big game in the 2s tomorrow, I think he can really add something to our midfield
Macca
Guest
For sure Jack and when you look at what Cripps did today with his marking on top of his clearance work the mind boggles on where he could end up as a player
Kane
Guest
Loving what the kid's are bringing to the table, obviously the development department are finally doing their job. Fisher had a bugger up in front of goal but he'll learn from from it which is obviously only going to improve the young fella. Very young team, I'm excited for the first time in a few years at what lay's ahead.
Jack
Guest
We just have to focus on the positives Macca and that is games into very talented kids. Marshbank, Fisher , curnow , silvani , weitering, seton, dockerty and Cripps almost drafted a top 4 team of th future . Williamson looks a Gun and he was picked up very cheaply
Macca
Guest
Great game, the blues looked gone a couple of time but found something extra, had they taken a couple of chances (Cripps and Fisher spring to mind) who knows but the saints deserved the win - they ran hard all day and Carlisle was enormous down back. The blues future looks very bright