St Kilda dodges blowtorch — for now — with one-point win against Gold Coast
There has not been a lot of positive news filtering out of Moorabbin over the off-season. And the spotlight on the Saints and coach Alan Richardson is not going to dim any time soon after just scraping past Gold Coast.
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There has not been a lot of positive news filtering out of Moorabbin over the off-season.
It has been one personnel blow after another for St Kilda.
Dylan Roberton’s heart issue, Jake Carlisle’s back complaint, Paddy McCartin’s concussion and recruit Dan Hannebery needing to be “rebuilt”.
Not an ideal situation for a team already under the pump after finishing third-last in 2018 with just four wins.
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And the spotlight on the Saints and coach Alan Richardson is not going to dim any time soon after just scraping past Gold Coast in a thriller at Marvel Stadium.
Leading by 12 points leading into the final quarter, the Saints were forced to fight for survival in their first game of the season, holding off the Suns by just one point.
In a game when the patchy Marvel Stadium surface was under as much spotlight as both teams, the Saints found themselves on the back foot in the final quarter when David Swallow kicked the opening two goals of the term.
Former Demon Dean Kent steadied the ship with a critical mark and goal in his first game for his new team, but the Suns responded through Wil Powell at the other end.
Forward Peter Wright had the chance to put the Suns in front when he was awarded a free late in the game, but decided to kick to a pack at the top of the goalsquare, allowing the Saints to rebound.
A crucial mark from forward Josh Bruce in the dying minutes helped the Saints hold on.
There were some positives for the Saints, even if they were unable to press on whenever they had the opportunity to during the game.
WELCOME BACK, JACK
Jack Steven was greeted with applause from the St Kilda faithful when he came off the interchange bench for his first run five minutes into the match.
After taking time away from the game to deal with personal issues, Steven lifted the spirits of a side under pressure.
Steven made a strong contribution for the Saints, dividing his time between the midfield and forward, and finished the match with 24 disposals and five tackles.
It was also a solid comeback for Bruce after an injury-plagued 2018.
Playing his first game since Round 3 last season, Bruce emerged as the Saints’ biggest attacking threat with three goals, four marks and 18 disposals.
NEW FACES SHINE
Kent would no doubt have been eager to make an impression in his first match with his new team — and he delivered when it counted.
With the Saints staring down an opening round loss, the former Demon marked on the lead and kicked truly from a tight angle at a crucial stage of the match.
Kent was one of three new faces for the Saints, with mature-age recruit Matthew Parker impressing with his 17 disposals and two goals.
Another recruit, Callum Wilkie had 11 disposals for the game.
DRAFT STAR’S LUK-WARM DEBUT
While No.1 draft pick Sam Walsh gave Blues fans reason to get excited on Thursday, it was a quieter start for Jack Lukosius, the No.2 selection last November.
The South Australian teenager had just four disposals in the first half, including one kick, and finished with 11 disposals for the match.
Lukosius did provide one highlight with a strong pack mark early in the final quarter.
It was a brighter start for former Tiger Anthony Miles, who was among the top possession-winners for the Suns (25).
WRIGHT OR WRONG?
There is no doubt the Suns have some big forward shoes to fill after the departure of Tom Lynch to Richmond.
But big Peter Wright put up his hand early as a key target for the Suns with two goals in the first quarter. He was unable to add to that tally, but should have late in the game when the match was up for grabs and he was presented with a free shot.
The 203cm Wright, entering his fifth season, managed just five goals in seven matches in an injury-plagued 2018 and is a player the Suns need to extract more from.
REBECCA WILLIAMS’ VOTES
3. Jack Ross
2. Jack Billings
1. Alex Sexton
BEST
St Kilda: Ross, Billings, Steven, Bruce, Newnes, Steele.
Gold Coast: Sexton, Fiorini, Witts, Swallow, Ballard, Miller.
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