Southern league: Dane Swan and Aaron Edwards star in St Kilda City win over Dingley

An impassioned speech by Dane Swan triggered a “relentless” St Kilda City to an eye-popping start to the Southern league Division 1 finals.

Dane Swan hunts the ball for St Kilda City. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Seven goals to Aaron Edwards and an outstanding display by Dane Swan fired St Kilda City to a 59-point win over Dingley in Sunday’s Southern league Division 1 elimination final at Moorabbin.

From the first bounce, the Saints were on, kicking the first three goals and rushing to a 14-point lead at the first change.

The Saints kept Dingley goalless in the second quarter as they extended their lead to 28 points at half-time before coasting to a 15.15 (105) to 6.10 (46) triumph.

Aaron Edwards.

Saints ruckman Troy Kelm.

St Kilda City coach Ryan Hoy said Swan set the tone with a rousing pre-game speech in the rooms.

“He’s that eager and hungry to win finals football matches, he stands up and takes over,” Hoy said.

“To have a bloke like Dane Swan, he’s a Brownlow medallist, stand up and show how hungry he is to win a game of football...it lifts the whole side.

“You find a lot of these ex AFL players come down and they strut their stuff and don’t really care but he’s that invested in this team and in this season, it’s a great thing to have.”

Dane Swan has eyes for the ball. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Swan played mainly across half back, but was everywhere, capping off his game with a goal.

And, even at 38, he’s still got a burst of speed, as he showed in the first quarter when he shrugged a tackle and accelerated away from a young Dingley player.

“He was practically involved in every play,” Hoy said.

“He was everywhere.

“His AFL career was cut way too short. But we’re happy to have him. And it looks like he’s sticking on for next year, too, which is even better.”

Hard-leading and strong-marking Edwards was lively up forward, continuing his purple of form that’s seen him fire off 23 goals in his past three outings, and 72 for the season.

Madi Andrews takes a kick for St Kilda City as Dingley’s Nathan Freeman closes in. Picture: Valeriu Campan

St Kilda City’s stars shone brightly, with Madi Andrews, Jimmy Magner and Luke Potts dominating the midfield.

Hoy said his side’s unheralded players were vital in the win.

“We were just relentless mate, a never say die attitude,” he said.

“It was the first time all year that we’ve had everyone on the same page, it was great.

“The stars have always been thereabouts, it’s just the bottom 10 that rose to the occasion on the weekend.

“You can have all the stars in the world but it’s what’s underneath them that matters.”

Jackson Vargas, Judd Rowell and Anthony Malamas impressed with their pressure acts, creating goals.

St KIlda City coach Ryan Hoy.

Ruckman Troy Kelm was outstanding all game.

“They just rose to the occasion on the big day,” Hoy said.

The win catapults St Kilda City into a first semi-final showdown with St Paul’s McKinnon.

Brendan Fevola is available for selection for the Saints after missing a week through suspension.