St Kilda’s performance over the weekend has to be one of the most disappointing that they have put in this year.
There have been worse losses, and definitely ones by greater margins, but the consequences of this game are massive.
There will be no finals this year, that is now certain, but of more concern is the nature of that performance.
It wasn’t Melbourne’s good play that caused a lot of St Kilda’s problems (especially in the first quarter), it was simple skill errors – missed uncontested marks, missed short handballs, missed chip kicks.
The fact the Saints were still in the game early in the last quarter is probably an indictment on Melbourne, rather than an indication of any brilliance on St Kilda’s part.
It was always going to be a nervous game with so much on the line, but Melbourne handled the occasion better. St Kilda on the other hand, seemed to perceive pressure where there was none, seemingly jumping at shadows.
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Two performances did stand out in the sea of mediocre: Billy Longer and Jack Billings.
Last week, Billings kicked a great goal under immense pressure in a real coming-of-age moment. This week he was St Kilda’s best player, despite clearly having limited sight in one eye for much of the match.
This year, Longer has been something of a whipping boy for fans, but over the past few weeks he has become one of the most important players at the club – and one of the better ruckmen in the league. He monstered Max Gawn, a feat that should be celebrated.
The performance itself was a shame because the afternoon was set up to be perfect. The sun was shining and the MCG itself was stunning as usual. To get 50,000-plus people to a Melbourne-St Kilda match was an amazing effort, and they were all in good voice too.
I don’t know the ins and outs of cheer squad politics, but the Saints’ squad has improved remarkably this year, and even when the game was all but over, they were still going.
Unfortunately though, September holidays can now be planned. While fairytales can happen, I am less inclined to believe in miracles, which is what it would take for the Saints to make the finals.
So the next two weeks become a celebration of Nick Riewoldt and everything that he has given to the club, then we move on to next year, and call this a transition year.
Next year is Year 1 post-Riewoldt and for Alan Richardson, it’s finals or bust.
Mattyb
Guest
I didn't think the Saints were disappointing,there just not overly good and were beaten by a better side. I didn't think they were any chance to play finals this year and their season has probably been slightly better than expected. There are some positives there though,and they are set up well to bring in some decent players with their multiple draft picks. If Kelly goes anywhere I'd expect it to be St.Kilda and they have the draft picks and cap space to make it happen.
Daz
Roar Pro
Billy Longer may have "monstered Max Gawn", but that was because after conceding 5 ruck infringement frees, Max almost gave up in the contests giving Longer free rein. Gawn ... told ABC radio after the game: “I gave away free kicks that I’ve never given away in my life. I don’t know why they were free kicks but they kept on blowing the whistle, so I was getting a bit frustrated. I ended up having to let Billy Longer just win them (ruck contests) in the end because I didn’t know what to do.” If Longer monstered Gawn into giving away the frees as a tactical play, then well played. Otherwise it was just luck that he got the better of Gawn.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
15 straight or whatever it was, but you lost the 2 this season that mattered most. You Frankstonites are all the same when real work is to be done.