St Kilda Saints vs Western Bulldogs: AFL match result, highlights

Match result:

St Kilda have defeated the Western Bulldogs by 27 points at Marvel Stadium, which gives Brett Ratten a victory to begin his time as caretaker coach.

The Saints were the better side all day, and it showed come the end of the game. Jack Billings was good, as the midfielder accumulated 27 disposals. Tim Membrey and Jack Lonie were immense, as they kicked four goals each.

As for the Dogs, Josh Dunkley had a terrific game, as he collected 38 disposals. Bailey Dale kicked five majors, and Tory Dickson kicked four.

Final score
St Kilda Saints 17.14.116
Western Bulldogs 14.5.89

Match preview:

The St Kilda Saints and the Western Bulldogs meet at Marvel Stadium today to conclude Round 18. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 4:40pm (AEST).

Neither of these two sides will be playing finals in 2019, but this game remains in the interest of the public, and that is simply down to the departure of Alan Richardson.

It has been no secret that the former St Kilda coach has been under pressure for quite a while, and with that being the case, St Kilda’s clash last weekend against the Geelong Cats proved to be Richardson’s last in charge.

It was not a horrendous lose, as the Saints were defeated by 27 points at GMHBA Stadium, but the reality is, the decision would not have been based entirely on that match.

Luke Dunstan had a solid outing against the Cats, as he finished the game with 30 disposals. Josh Bruce continued his good form, as the forward booted three majors. Regardless, these individual performances could not keep Richardson in his job for another week.

The Saints could only secure the six wins from 16 rounds under Richardson in 2019. Brett Ratten has been given the job as caretaker for the remainder of the campaign.

We have seen what Rhyce Shaw and David Teague have been able to do as caretaker coaches this season, so there is no denying this is a big opportunity for Ratten.

In team news this week for the Saints, Ben Long (rested) and Daniel McKenzie (omitted) make way. Doulton Langlands will make his debut for the Saints, and Matt Parker also comes into the side.

As for the Western Bulldogs, they have hit a bit of form of late. They have secured eight wins from 16 rounds, and there is no denying Luke Beveridge’s side will be looking to improve on that tally until the season concludes.

There has been some talk of finals, but I think they will fall just short. Regardless, the club this week have signed Beveridge up until the end of 2023, showing the faith they have in the man.

The Dogs are coming off an eight-point victory over the Melbourne Demons, which took place at Marvel Stadium last weekend.

Josh Dunkley had a huge game, which saw him accumulate 39 disposals and boot two majors. Lachie Hunter was also bright, as he finished with 37 disposals for the game. Roarke Smith and Sam Lloyd both kicked two majors each, also.

In team news this week for the Bulldogs, Toby McLean (injured), Ed Richards (injured) and Bailey Williams (unknown) make way. Tom Liberatore, Bailey Dale and Caleb Daniel are the inclusions.

Prediction
The Dogs have been playing fairly well of late, and despite the fact the Saints have a new man in charge, Beveridge’s side should have too much quality for St Kilda.

The Western Bulldogs to prevail by 16 points.

Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 4:40pm (AEST).

When: 4:40pm (AEST)
Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
TV: Fox Footy
Betting: Saints $2.70, Bulldogs $1.47

St Kilda Saints
B: Coffield, Brown, Savage
HB: Wilkie, Carlisle, Clark
C: Billings, Ross, Newnes
HF: Hind, Bruce, Dunstan
F: Lonie, Membrey, Langlands
FOLL: Marshall, Gresham, Steele
I/C: Acres, Paton, Parker, Sinclair

Western Bulldogs
B: Johannisen, Trengove, Crozier
HB: Duryea, Cordy, Wood
C: Hunter, Smith, Lipinski
HF: Suckling, Schache, Lloyd
F: Naughton, Bontempelli, Dickson
FOLL: English, Dunkley, Macrae
I/C: Liberatore, Dale, Daniel, R.Smith