St Kilda proving hard to beat at Marvel Stadium with Carlton latest victim
The Saints are building a reputation as Marvel Stadium masters in 2020 after another impressive performance at the indoor stadium.
St Kilda is building a reputation as a Marvel Stadium master in 2020 after defeating Carlton by 18 points in another impressive performance at the indoor stadium.
The Saints halted the Blues’ recent winning streak at two with a composed display to win 11.7 (73) to 8.7 (55) in a match brought forward due to a reshuffling of the Round 5 draw.
It is their third win in succession at their home ground this season, backing up after dominant victories over the Western Bulldogs in Round 2 and the reigning premiers Richmond last Saturday.
St Kilda’s only loss at the ground was in March when they squandered a significant lead over the Kangaroos. They also faltered badly against Collingwood at the MCG in their only match away from Marvel Stadium.
The Collingwood aberration aside, the Saints have proven potent in attack and are clearly shaping as a finals contender after moving to fourth spot with Thursday night’s win.
Their attack is versatile and dangerous. And in a pleasing change from last year, when their accuracy was atrocious, they are also making the most of their scoring opportunities.
Where St Kilda’s next step lies is uncertain, but there were suggestions on Thursday night they will have at least one more match, against Geelong next Thursday, on their preferred ground before heading to an interstate hub.
St Kilda does have a significant injury concern, with Dan Hannebery missing much of the second half against the Blues with an injured hamstring.
Given the 29-year-old’s extensive injury history in recent seasons, whether the former premiership Swan will be available for a road trip is open for debate.
The Blues had raised the hopes of their fans with narrow wins over Geelong and Essendon, but they were outclassed by St Kilda from the opening minutes of the match.
The Saints kicked the first three goals and finished the quarter with a 20-point lead, which was indicative of their control of the game.
Carlton’s sole goal for the first term came with just under five minutes left but it was a beauty. Eddie Betts was able to shark the contest, find his composure and snap accurately from 45 metres out.
There is little good about fans being shut out from games. But being able to hear the sound of the football off the boot is one luxury for those lucky few in attendance.
And from the boot of Betts, this kick sounded particularly crisp as it arced through the middle of the goalposts from what in reality was a difficult chance.
However, the glee for Carlton was short-lived. Saints skipper Jarryn Geary, relishing a rare run in attack, kicked his second for the quarter just before the siren.
The scoring spree continued when play resumed, with Jade Gresham kicking St Kilda’s fifth for the match just 24 seconds into the second term and Max King added another soon after.
The Saints had ample room when going into their attack, with the forwards able to find space seemingly at will. This may well have been due to the lack of pressure further afield. Either way, the Saints were able to waltz through the midfield and into attack with ease far too frequently.
King is demonstrating why he was so highly rated as a junior and tipped to become a star of the competition. On the occasions the 19-year-old won the ball, he proved creative.
One example, aside from the two goals he kicked, was a chipped kick to Dan Butler in the goalsquare early in the third term.
Butler, too, is revelling as a Saint.
Best afield last week against his former club Richmond, the premiership Tiger is using his pace perfectly in attack and has added an edge to St Kilda’s forward line.
Ben Long, the nephew of AFL legend Michael Long, is also demonstrating significant promise in defence. A third-quarter mark, where he soared high over a pack, was indicative of his gifts.
The Blues, who have a costly habit of starting slowly, lifted in the third term and could have put the Saints under more pressure had they kicked accurately.
Will Setterfield kicked two in succession to close the margin to three goals. But the Saints were able to steady shortly before three-quarter time when Josh Billings kicked accurately to extend their lead to 23 points, and St Kilda comfortably had the match in hand by early in the final quarter.
Browne to step down — but which Pies lifer will replace him?
Collingwood president Jeff Browne will depart the club at the end of the year, with the club already sounding out its replacement. Here’s who is in line to take up the big job at the Pies.
Blues win race for footy’s premiership mastermind
One of footy’s most respected administrators is set to join Carlton in an off-field coup, with the appointment to be confirmed on Wednesday. GLENN MCFARLANE has details.