Geelong’s premiership defence officially over after upset loss at the hands of St Kilda
Geelong’s premiership defence is officially over while the Saints are closing in on a return to September after a ladder-changing upset.
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Geelong’s premiership defence is officially over after a hungry St Kilda moved to the cusp of a finals berth with a comprehensive 33-point win at Marvel Stadium.
After throwing everything at Port Adelaide and Collingwood in the last fortnight in a bid to keep their campaign alive, the Cats looked tired and erratic as the Saints controlled possession and played the game in their forward half, where the combination of Max King, Tim Membrey and Cooper Sharman looked dangerous all night.
A finals spot is yet to be guaranteed, but the Saints sent a warning shot to potential September opponents in a win which should have come at a far greater margin but for a raft of errors in front of goal.
Rowan Marshall was dominant in the ruck against tyro Shannon Neale, who was forced to carry the load after a first quarter hamstring injury sidelined Esava Ratugolea and pushed Sam De Koning into defence, while Brad Crouch (29 disposals and a game-high 11 clearances) continued his stunning form.
A subdued 12-possession effort from captain Patrick Dangerfield left the Cats’ midfield badly exposed, with only Max Holmes able to break the lines and hurt the Saints offensively.
It is the area of the ground that has cost the Cats all season, and will be reviewed extensively in coming weeks as they look on as finals spectators for the first time since 2015.
St Kilda can control its own fate by beating Brisbane at the Gabba next Saturday, but if not could face a nerve-wracking wait for the outcome of the final regular season clash between Carlton and GWS.
Experienced midfielder Seb Ross is unlikely to face the Lions and could miss longer after he was subbed out of the game late in the first term with a hamstring injury.
DUNCAN IN STRIFE
Geelong veteran Mitch Duncan’s season could be over after he drove Jack Higgins into the ground in a first quarter tackle which led to the Saints forward being assessed for concussion on the bench.
In almost an identical spot to where Beau McCreery earned a one-match ban for his dangerous tackle on Darcy Wilmot the night before, Duncan gave away a 50m penalty and goal after crunching Higgins following a free kick paid to the Saints, seemingly thinking they had taken advantage.
RESHUFFLE HURTS CATS
The early loss of Esava Ratugolea to a hamstring injury created a key position crisis for Geelong coach Chris Scott, who was forced to move Sam De Koning into defence after he made an impressive start against Rowan Marshall in the ruck.
With Mark Blicavs and Rhys Stanley sidelined, the Cats were forced to throw developing prospect Shannon Neale into the ruck almost full-time during the second term, with Marshall taking advantage of the mismatch to rack up nine disposals and claim two marks inside 50m for the quarter on his way to a best on ground performance.
HIGH IMPACT OWENS
It will be difficult to beat first-year ball magnet Harry Sheezel to the Rising Star award, but Mitch Owens looms as his main challenger after another highly influential performance playing in a hybrid midfield-forward role.
The 19-year-old was entrusted with the defensive role on Tom Stewart at the start of the game and snuck out the back to kick the opening goal on him, before setting up a goal minutes later when he won a free kick out of the ruck.
SAINTS 4.3, 6.8, 9.14, 12.16 (88)
CATS 2.3, 4.4, 6.5, 8.7 (55)
BOURKE’S BEST Saints: Sinclair, Crouch, Marshall, King, Higgins, Steele. Cats: Stewart, Duncan, Holmes, Miers, Z Guthrie, Atkins.
GOALS Saints: King 3, Sharman 2, Higgins 2, Butler 2, Owens, Phillipou, Marshall. Cats: Hawkins 2, Z Guthrie, Stengle, Duncan, Holmes, Tuohy, Atkins.
UMPIRES Broadbent, Fleer, Mollison, Williamson
INJURIES Saints: Ross (hamstring), Sharman (ankle). Cats: Ratugolea (hamstring), Holmes (ankle), Close (ankle).
CROWD 40,103 at Marvel Stadium
BOURKE’S VOTES
3. Rowan Marshall (StK)
2. Jack Sinclair (StK)
1. Brad Crouch (StK)
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