St Kilda defender’s heroic disappearing act sparks mammoth upset over Sydney Swans

A St Kilda defender has become an instant cult hero after disappearing midgame and inspiring an upset win over the Sydney Swans.

St Kilda’s Dougal Howard put his body on the line in unusual fashion to save a goal in his side’s two-point win over the Sydney Swans on Sunday afternoon.

It looked like the Swans were cruising to victory in the second half before St Kilda sparked a spirited second half comeback to claim a 13.6 (86) to 11.16 (82) victory.

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Trailing by 28 points early in the third quarter, the Saints could ill afford to let the deficit blow out but they were in trouble when Liam Henry turned the ball over in the middle of Marvel Stadium.

The ball found its way to Sydney’s Justin McInerney who took a shot on goal from the 50m arc, opting for a low kick that dribbled along the ground.

The skidding ball gave Howard a chance to chase it down, and he sprinted 25 metres to get a hand on the ball as it crossed the goal line.

The only problem was he had so much momentum he tumbled over the fence and landed on his back in the front row of the Swans’ cheer squad.

Watch Dougal Howard disappear over the fence in the video above

Dougal Howard tumbled into the stands. Photo: Fox Footy.

The St Kilda defender ended up in the Swans' cheer squad. Photo: Fox Footy.

It looked like Howard’s effort was in vain, as the goal umpire ruled McInerney’s kick a goal.

Channel 7 commentator Alister Nicholson said: “Oh Howard’s in the cheer squad!

“A goal and a missing player. Where’s he gone? That is getting up close and personal with the fans.”

Brian Taylor said: “Dougal Howard increasing the attendance by one there.:

Hawthorn premiership player Campbell Brown quipped: “There’d be some cheer squads who wouldn’t help you up.”

Brian Taylor added: “They’d put their feet on top of you.”

Nicholson said: “I’d hate to see Browny go into the Geelong cheer squad back in the day.”

He saved a certain goal. Photo: Fox Footy.

Iconic behaviour. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

When replays showed Dougal had managed to touch the ball before it completely crossed the line, the commentators erupted.

Brown said: “It’s touched! This could be one of the most desperate acts of the season. Get around Dougal Howard!”

“The same people that were helping him up are now booing him.”

Full respect to Dougal Howard for that

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 7, 2024

Everyone wants to join our Melb cheer squad 😏

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) July 7, 2024

“For the fun of it, Dougal Howard should take the kick-in from the cheer squad,” Nicholson laughed.

“I’m surprised one of the ticket inspectors didn’t come down and ask Mr Howard where his ticket was.”

St Kilda kicked eight of the last 10 goals to hit the front midway through the fourth quarter on the back of a dour defensive effort.

“Since Dougal Howard joined the crowd, St Kilda have been absolutely on,” Taylor said in commentary.

In the dying stages of the game, Howard had blood streaming out of a cut on his face and had to come from the field.

Logan McDonald has a chance to win the game but missed. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Along with Howard, fellow Saints defender Callum Wilkie was St Kilda’s best with 14 marks and 26 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency.

The win is St Kilda’s sixth of the season, while the Swans are suddenly looking mortal after losing two games in a row.

In both losses, forward Logan McDonald had the chance to kick the matchwinning goal but missed.

The Swans are still two games clear of second placed Carlton, after the Blues were beaten by the GWS Giants on Saturday.

On a dirty day for the Swans, Isaac Heeney struck Jimmy Webster off the ball in an incident that could rule the Swans star ineligible for the Brownlow Medal if he is suspended.

Originally published as St Kilda defender’s heroic disappearing act sparks mammoth upset over Sydney Swans