St Kilda have torn Richmond to shreds, bursting their bubble with a 67-point AFL demolition at Etihad Stadium.
The Saints played their best football of the season in the second term of the Maddie’s Match fundraiser on Saturday night and won 21.12 (138) to 10.11 (71).
The Saints have won four games in a row for the first time since 2011 – their most recent finals appearance.
It’s also St Kilda’s highest score of the season.
By contrast, all the doubts about Richmond’s resilience and bona fides are back with a vengeance.
Their meek surrender was as astonishing as it was appalling.
Richmond’s percentage – which will be vital given the tightness of the season – dropped from 112 to 105.
The Tigers held on to fourth spot, but only on percentage, as the Saints rose from eighth to fifth.
A week ago, coach Damien Hardwick was bullish about their style of play following a fine away win over Port Adelaide, saying they were confident it would stand up in finals.
But that depends on effort and application.
The Saints out-pressured and out-tackled them from the start.
Leading by 24 points at quarter-time, the Saints hit top gear with 9.5 to a solitary behind.
At the main break, St Kilda led by a whopping 82 points and their score was 92. Before Saturday night, their average score for the season had been 88.
They had a game-high lead of 95 points late in the third term.
While Saints key forward Tim Membrey kicked five goals, he’s in trouble for a heavy bump on Richmond defender Dylan Grimes late in the second term.
Saints veteran Nick Riewoldt had a big night, officially breaking the AFL marks record.
He had 12 on Saturday night and that took him to 2913, passing Gary Dempsey’s 2906.
It was already an important game for Riewoldt, given the Maddie’s Vision charity was formed two years ago after his younger sister died from a rare bone disorder.
Cousin Jack had a dirty night for the Tigers, but kicked the last goal of the match.
Star Saints midfielder Jack Steven was best afield with 33 disposals.
bobburra
Guest
Who the heck is the MCC, as you put it, or do you mean the MFC. One is the cricket club, the other football club. And just who are you supporting, one the hand you are praising Carlton, on the other you are calling them rotters,you give the impression the you follow Melbourne. I am just a tad confused.But again, you appear to be dead set against the Tigers. ?????
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Seem an awfully optimistic prediction old chap. Richmond isn't Carlton for starters. At least I can get a top class spaghetti in Lygon St. All I've ever got in Punt Rd was tetanus. Besides, you won't win the premiership, because you'll find the velvet glove of the MCC has already smeared its prints all over the 2017 trophy. Take that you Carlton rotters. Another great escape for the mighty MCC, as we march towards our date of destiny and assume our place in the top 4.
Cat
Roar Guru
Like the 70k Tiger army has made any difference in the past. In case you've forgotten one and done is the Tiger way.
The Ghost
Guest
Richmond were insipid last night while St Kilda played their best football of the season. Richmond are capable of much better football. I would not want to be coming up against the Tigers in the finals, with a 70,000 Tiger Army cheering them on. This was the loss we had to have, like when Essendon lost to the Bulldogs in 2000. This loss will reignite the hunger for the holy grail.
tibor nagy (big four sticks)
Guest
Absolutely gutted. What a pathetic performance by the Tigers. We must remember that in 1995, Carlton got belted in two games, one of them was against Sydney and the other was against St Kilda. They went on to win the premiership...as will Richmond.
Cat
Roar Guru
It's just tibor nagy (four limp sticks) that's being over the top. He's just doing his Tigers version of Don Freo.
peter chrisp
Guest
What a crack up The Tigers some of the supporters jumping on the band wagon faves for the flag what a killer performance by The Saints well done
asd
Guest
the saints have the goods .Richo must know his craft .