St Kilda dodge bullet against Hawthorn thanks to Rowan Marshall

St Kilda is on the verge of securing a finals berth, after a less-than-impressive performance against an eager but at times error-ridden Hawthorn.

St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall celebrates kicking a goal against Hawthorn at Metricon Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

St Kilda is on the verge of securing a finals berth, after a less-than-impressive performance against an eager, youthful but at times error-ridden Hawthorn at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.

It took the best part of three quarters for the Saints to gain control and battle a vintage Hawthorn press to record their ninth win of the season, 11.14 (80) to 9.12 (66) and displace Collingwood, which had a bye this round, in sixth place.

Hawthorn suffered its sixth straight loss and its 10th from its past 11 matches.

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However, the Hawks will be buoyed by the fight and the performance of several fledgling players, although they appear to have lost star midfielder James Worpel for the remaining two rounds after he sustained a serious shoulder injury.

St Kilda can largely thank hulking forward Rowan Marshall for dodging a bullet. The 24-year-old is shaping as the ultimate swingman, with his ability to either pinch-hit in the ruck or be the go-to forward.

Marshall, backing up after taking four contested marks against Melbourne last round, had to shoulder the forward line aerial work following the late withdrawal of young gun Max King.

He pulled in eight marks, two contested, and bagged two goals, proving a handful for defenders James Frawley and Sam Frost.

Marshall’s goal after a marking contest against Frost late in the third term was the steadier St Kilda needed after it had struggled to gain fluency across the middle of the ground.

While Marshall was cool in front of goal, Hawthorn forward Luke Breust wasted three goal- scoring chances in 15 minutes.

The dual All-Australian blew a shot from some 25m out after the quarter-time siren, kicking into the man on the mark. Then, early in the second term, he brilliantly dodged an opponent to swing on to his preferred right foot from 40m out, but instead of kicking through the ball, he opted to kick across it for an ugly behind.

Soon after, from almost the same spot, he took a regulation set shot that also missed.

Hawthorn had five players with 10 games or fewer experience, including rookie Damon Greaves whose debut performance should fill fans with hope.

The 20-year-old, a 2019 rookie draft selection, had an auspicious opening with four marks in the first term, as well as setting up the opening goal of the match.

Playing across half-back, Greaves ended with 17 disposal.

Fellow rookie Will Day should have also put a smile on supporters’ faces, with his 21 touches.

NCA Newswire