Match Report: St. Kilda vs North Melbourne
A record breaking twenty-seven thousand people witnessed one of the greatest victories of all time. In a match that will go down in the record books, in a game of football that will be immortalised in the pages of AFL lore, the mighty Sainters proved to the world that they are a nine-points a quarter better team than the worst team in the comp. Just like Scooby-Doo’s cousin, it was incredibly scrappy at times, but North has a habit of bringing us down to their level and to walk away with a thirty-eight win is a solid effort. There were so many good things to come out of this game and it’s been a while since this author has had some positivity in his veins, so let’s chat all things merry.
Jack Hayes made a huge impact in his comeback game and he is the exact sort of player we’ve been screaming out for. Two snags and a huge presence on the field, some ruck relief for Ro, and a dead-eye kick. If he can stay on the park for the first time in his Saints career there will be a lot more ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ coming out of the crowd for season 2024.
Returning troops. We’ve been decimated this year by injuries and finally we are seeing them come back. Against the Roos, our Lord and saviour Mason Wood was back doing Mason Wood things. Jimmy stuffed up a few kicks early on but settled as the game went on. Hayes was great, as mentioned, and Max King was also back but did nothing. In the next couple weeks we should see Henry, Clark and Dow add some strength to the engine room.
Darcy Wilson, Darcy Wilson, Darcy Wilson. Eight games into his career and he’s kicking bags of three and getting over twenty possessions. What a weapon.
Angus Hastie kicked the first goal of his career from a beautiful set shot on a tight angle and the lads got around him. Speaking of which, our set-shot accuracy was through the roof and it was b-e-a-utiful to see. It’s like catching a glimpse of the rare Otways panther – something you might never see again, but wonderful nonetheless.
Sinclair and Wilkie were back to their best and thannnnnk God for that. Sincs chipped in with two snags and when he’s unleashed through the middle we are such a better side. He lead the game for meters gained at 642.
Marcus Windhager is taking the micky at this point. He flies under the radar to the outside world, but within the walls of Moorabbin we know how good he is. Another 25 touches and eight tackles is elite.
And just for the lol’s – our big dangerous Dougal lead the team for disposal efficiency going at 89.5% - who ever doubted him? Not me, no sirry. I don’t think Bonner butchered it very much this game either which is a relief. If he can sort his kicking out he can be a real weapon for us.
Who needs a spell in the magoos? Phillipou continued his lean patch of form and didn’t provide any value as his case of second year blues gets more severe by the week. Call me crazy but Owens hasn’t provided anything either for a couple weeks now and is struggling to get his hands on the pill. When more cavalry arrives, Hastie & Garcia will probably make way but we just needa get Pou and Chito into some form somehow.
By the way, the Zebras won by 3 points and Shoenmakers was the leading ball winner and Collard kicked three majors. Dow had 17 touches and 5 clearances.
Go Saints.
