We head to MCG for a Sunday arvo footy clash, as the Melbourne Demons host a disappointing St Kilda Saints. Join The Roar for live commentary and scores from 1:10pm AEST.
What a visceral disappointment the St Kilda Football Club has been in 2018. They’ve got two wins, one draw and 10 losses.
They’ve certainly blown the “Saints will play finals” prediction well out of the water. Admittedly, their last outing was a win against Gold Coast.
Melbourne, though. Despite a few hiccups along the way (last week’s hard-fought loss against Port among them), they’re progressing along swimmingly, sitting in sixth place headed into this game.
However, they’ve had two straight losses, though, one being the Port loss, the other being a poor loss to Collingwood.
This one is an interesting game for a few reasons. First and foremost, both sides would love a win.
St Kilda, to show that their plucky comeback against the Suns wasn’t just a fluke, and the Demons would love to salute victory to keep in touch with their closest competitors after a poor fortnight.
Looking wider, these two teams are supposed to be somewhat of a pair of twins: they were, according to the script the AFL media wrote of late, rebuilding and then competing together.
Evidently, that hasn’t happened. The Dees winning over the Saints will likely reaffirm the fact that the Demons are the authentically better team.
In team news, both teams have made two changes apiece, and both are unveiling a debutant. Melbourne has sensationally dropped Bernie Vince, while also omitting Timothy Smith. Harrison Petty comes in for a debut, and Sam Weiedman also comes into the side.
St Kilda have dropped Logan Austin, while also losing Jimmy Webster to injury. Veteran Jarryn Geary is back in the 22, and Darragh Joyce comes in for his first hit out in league football.
Prediction
At the beginning of the season, most generic forecasts might’ve pegged this one as a clash between similarly positioned top eight sides. That clearly isn’t the case.
St Kilda arguably hit some good form with their recent win, but with all due respect, that was against the Suns.
I’ll predict that they’ll struggle against a Melbourne side that’ll come out breathing fire, and while they may make it close at times, the Saints will lose.
Melbourne by 27 points
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 1:10pm AEST.
IrishRed11
Guest
Did Darragh Joyce play for St. Kilda, & if so, did he do well, please? He comes from a small village close to me here in South East Ireland, & a friend of his told me he was playing. Hope he does well.
me too
Guest
Alas? Bugger alas. Thank god two awfully soft frees right under the goals didn't gift Melbourne the match. Well done Saints. Deserved the win short of their fullback for almost the entire game. Too good over the 4 quarters.
peter chrisp
Guest
Great result
Joe
Guest
Didn't expect this result
Birdman
Roar Rookie
copy that Matti
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
BRIEF MATCH REPORT St Kilda have pulled one of the upsets of the season, withstanding a fierce final quarter Melbourne comeback to stun their opposition by 2 points in a fantastic game at the ‘G. The first quarter? Initially, the term went to script, with Melbourne slamming home the first three goals. St Kilda, though, only became empowered, and sent through the next four to take a one point lead into the first break. The second quarter was a very entertaining one, with twelve goals score between the two sides. The Saints, though, continued their very impressive play - they were frustrating the Demons by their fast paced play, and the Demons struggled defensively, allowing the Saints to score far too many easy goals. Melbourne rallied a bit with a trio of consecutive goals of their own, but it was the Saints who took a strong lead into half time. Really, the Saints weren’t faltered in a strong third term, but it was the fourth where things began to get uncomfortably tight. A string of late Melbourne goals - including a great effort from Jordan Lewis with 30 seconds to go - meant there was a definite chance of a clutch Melbourne win. Alas, it wasn’t too be. Braysahw, Jones and Viney (the latter particularly in the final term) were all great for the Demons, whilst young forward Fritsch sent through 4 goals. Sinalir, Steven, Amitage and Greham were all fine for the Saints, too.
User
Roar Rookie
I'm OK with that ;)
Birdman
Roar Rookie
If north win today, the Cats will be the big sliders this weekend
XI
Roar Guru
Damn. No finals for the Demons this year either.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Wow this round has been brilliant for the Pies, WCE losing, Sydney, Geelong and now a huge upset with Melbourne. This round has really shaken up the eight now irrespective of the ESS v Nth result.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
And there's full time! The Saints have stunningly upset Melbourne by 2 points. What a game! Melbourne: 18.9 (117) St Kilda: 18.11 (119)
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Dees - Team of the Weak
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
30 SECONDS. TWO POINTS.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL MELBOURNE OH MY GOD. Turnover in the Saints defence, Lewis intercepts the ball and he's quickly SENT HOME A GOAL! 30 seconds! Melbourne: 18.9 (117) St Kilda: 18.11 (119)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL MELBOURNE Oh! Hogan's slammed home a goal after the Saints are penalised for a throw. A minute, five seconds remaining. Melbourne: 17.9 (111) St Kilda: 18.11 (119)
User
Roar Rookie
Love a good upset filled round
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL MELBOURNE Fritsch! Oh my. That's his fourth! Melbourne: 16.9 (105) St Kilda: 18.11 (119)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL ST KILDA Jack. Steven. Great goal from close range - and that'll be the sealer. Melbourne: 15.9 (99) St Kilda: 18.11 (119)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Three minutes remaining.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
BEHIND MELBOURNE Ah! Ross is wrapped up by Hogan deep in Melbourne's attack, and it's BALL! Hogan has a chance to make it close again, but he's missed from the tight angle! Melbourne: 15.9 (99) St Kilda: 17.11 (113)