The Melbourne Demons have put themselves in the top eight with two weeks before finals, and ended any hopes the St Kilda Saints had of doing the same, with a four-goal win over the Saints at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Melbourne Demons 14.12.96
St Kilda Saints 10.12.72
September 8, 2006 – The Melbourne Demons and St Kilda Saints square off in an elimination final. While the Dees triumphed that night, the cliff was coming.
In the next 10 years they would win just 55 games and wallow in mediocrity, only now in 2017 are their fans daring to believe again.
With finals hopes on the line, they again face the Saints – fair to say this is Melbourne’s biggest game in more than a decade. Join The Roar from 1:10pm AEST, Sunday afternoon for live scores and commentary.
St Kilda stemmed the bleeding on their season last week. Staring down the barrel of a year-ending loss against West Coast, they rallied to kick four of the last five goals and claim an unlikely victory.
Jack Steele played his best game since crossing from GWS, finding the ball while competing hard defensively.
Jack Billings stood up when it counted, and Dylan Roberton provided drive and rebound all day.
Melbourne appears to have hit a wall, sliced to ribbons for a quarter and a half by the GWS Giants, they struggled to regain footing in the match and never really threatened.
The midfield toiled hard but lost a lot of shape at stoppages, and also played without dare and freedom.
Max Gawn was blunted a little by the hit he copped – it is vital they make the most of the advantage he offers.
Nick Riewoldt won’t play due to concussion, a big loss given the flexibility and inspiration he provides.
Angus Brayshaw has potentially been named for his first game since Round 2, once he gains some continuity he provides a massive lift to their midfield.
Big game for
Josh Bruce: He’s had a so-so year, contributing while not starring. A high-pressure game without Nick Riewoldt, this is his time to shine.
Christian Petracca: If ever there was a player who wants the big stage it’s this kid. He has been a little quiet in the last month, but can be devastating.
Prediction
Flip a coin…! The Saints are slightly closer to full strength and that may just be enough for the win. Both teams have it all to play for so there is no conviction in this tip!
St Kilda by 3 points
Match preview written by Patrick McGeoch.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I wonder what's next for the Saints? Really don't think they've taken the next step. Really had them playing finals this season. Disappointing follow up to what was a good development year, the year before
Josh
Expert
Oh, I very much am not...
Josh
Expert
That's the game, folks. Melbourne are back in the eight, St Kilda's season is over. Read the full match report here.
Josh
Expert
FULL TIME MELBOURNE 14.12.96 ST KILDA 10.12.72
Josh
Expert
GOAL MELBOURNE Melksham the sealer. MELBOURNE 14.12.96 ST KILDA 10.12.72
Josh
Expert
GOAL ST KILDA Josh Bruce is caught by his defender, but Jack Sinclair goals from the ensuing chaos. Three goals in two minutes the equation for the Saints, and even that would only level the scores. MELBOURNE 13.12.90 ST KILDA 10.12.72
Josh
Expert
BEHIND MELBOURNE James Harmes almost kicks his fourth... instead he sends it into the post. But it's an even four-goal margin with two and a half minutes to play. MELBOURNE 13.12.90 ST KILDA 9.12.66
Josh
Expert
BEHIND MELBOURNE Cam Pedersen has a long shot on goal, doesn't make the distance but it's marked on the behindline my Max Gawn. He quickly sets up Sam Weideman for a set shot... he misses, but that's time off the clock. Melbourne by 23 with four and a half minutes to play. MELBOURNE 13.11.89 ST KILDA 9.12.66
Josh
Expert
Billings again with a set shot... doesn't make the distance. Max Gawn marks it, Dees clear it out. MELBOURNE 13.10.88 ST KILDA 9.12.66
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I've been as big a Saints' fan as possible for a while now, but I'm officially off them this season. They just have been deeply unimpressive today.
Josh
Expert
Jack Billings misses it all. MELBOURNE 13.10.88 ST KILDA 9.12.66
Josh
Expert
GOAL MELBOURNE Two in a minute for Mitch Hannan! The Demons lead by 22, less than nine minutes on the clock. Al Richardson looks like his brain hurts. MELBOURNE 13.10.88 ST KILDA 9.12.66
Josh
Expert
GOAL MELBOURNE Mitch Hannan with a set shot... he's got it! That's big. Demons lead by 16 with nine and a half minutes on the clock. MELBOURNE 12.10.82 ST KILDA 9.12.66
Josh
Expert
BEHIND ST KILDA Jack Billings shows some speed... but not enough skill. Misses a shot on goal. Back to 10 points the margin. MELBOURNE 11.10.76 ST KILDA 9.12.66
Josh
Expert
BEHIND MELBOURNE Garlett makes a mistake not setting up a teammate and then isn't able to kick the set shot himself either. MELBOURNE 11.10.76 ST KILDA 9.11.65
Josh
Expert
GOAL MELBOURNE Jeff Garlett chimes in with a much-needed goal, and the margin is back out to ten points. MELBOURNE 11.9.75 ST KILDA 9.11.65
Josh
Expert
GOAL ST KILDA Perfect start for the Saints, they find Tim Membrey up forward and he slots the goal. There's only four points in it! MELBOURNE 10.9.69 ST KILDA 9.11.65
Josh
Expert
Final term underway!
Josh
Expert
Josh
Expert
Great quarter by the Saints and they're within ten points at the final change, only criticism is the same as it has been all year: woefully inaccurate, 4.7 in that quarter and they could be ahead if they were converting better. Still, stage is set for a big final quarter with seasons on the line for both clubs. This is as good as footy gets!