Shane Warne blasts ‘bloody disappointing’ Saints after thrashing

One of St Kilda’s biggest fans has given a scathing assessment of their recent performance, calling the side “horrendous” and “lazy”.

Jade Gresham of the Saints.

An injury-riddled St Kilda outfit has been utterly thrashed by the Essendon Bombers on Saturday afternoon — even their most famous supporter has turned against them.

Essendon had lost 11 of their previous 12 games leading into the round three clash at Marvel Stadium, not recording an AFL win since round 14 last season.

But the Bombers — who also boast a heavy casualty ward — were at their destructive best on Saturday, kicking 12 goals in the first half and racing towards a comfortable 22.11 (143) to 9.14 (68) victory.

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With Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder unavailable for the match, St Kilda coach Brett Ratten was forced to deploy Shaun McKernan and Jake Carlisle in the ruck, the inexperienced pair conceding the first five centre clearances.

The Saints midfielders were also worryingly ineffective in the first half, registering just 13 tackles from 222 Essendon’s disposals.

Jake Stringer of the Bombers.

Former Bombers captain Brendon Goddard told ABC Grandstand: “Saints have been really poor defensively … we’re seeing too many Saints midfielders standing still and ball watching.

“If I was a senior member of the Saints backline … I’d be coming in at half time and saying to the midfield … your ability to slow the ball is absolutely horrendous.”

Even outspoken St Kilda superfan Shane Warne was unimpressed with their performance, blasting his beloved club in a series of scathing tweets.

“Tackles way down, horrible out the middle, looked slow and nowhere near ferocious enough at the ball. Essendon look hungrier right now than us. Lift Saints — let’s play aggressive, fast and please can we use the ball properly,” Warne posted on Saturday.

“Saints look lazy and not interested — how can that be! Effort is free and it has to be said — there is zero effort from the Saints besides our skipper! Work rate is non-existent two weeks in a row. Wow, feel like turning the TV off, as this is embarrassing!

“Where’s the effort? Two weeks in a row! Horrific and hope the coach gives them the hair dryer treatment.

“I just turned the TV off in disgust as I’m embarrassed at the lack of effort two weeks in a row.

“So bloody disappointing. If you get outplayed — then so be it — we can all cop that. But the lack of effort and work rate is just unacceptable.”

Don’t you hate it in when the week before wasn’t a blemish. Saints not even close to mediocre. #AFLDonsSaints

— Matt Webber (@MattWebberWrite) April 3, 2021

Brett Ratten @stkildafc will be so disappointed with his team’s performance today. Lacklustre, spiritless, & just downright embarrassing. No emotional investment whatsoever. Too many 1/2 hearted efforts. Forget about who is not playing, let’s look at who is. #brutalreviewawaits

— Michael McGuane (@MickMCG34) April 3, 2021

Saints doing a very good impression of a team that thought it would just happen this year. #AFLDonsSaints

— Ashley Browne (@hashbrowne) April 3, 2021

READ MORE: Swans embarrass defending champs

To rub salt into the wounds, St Kilda midfielder Jade Gresham suffered a suspected Achilles injury in the second quarter, and at halftime was spotted on crutches in a moon boot.

Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall told Fox Footy: “Gee that’s innocuous.

“I hope that’s not an Achilles because he just grabbed at it … That’s one of the worst injuries you can have.”

Although St Kilda’s intensity lifted considerbly in the second half, it wasn’t enough to prevent a mammoth 75-point defeat.

Essendon forwards Jake Stringer and Cale Hooker were standout performers on Saturday, booting four majors each.

St Kilda will next face the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium, while Essendon will take on the red-hot Sydney Swans at the SCG.

Originally published as Shane Warne blasts ‘bloody disappointing’ Saints after thrashing