Match Report: St. Kilda vs Sydney
St Kilda fans are no strangers to errant bounces of a football. With two minutes left on the clock, a long range shot from Rowan Marshall looked set to tumble through the goals and ice the game. Instead, the ball turned further than a Shane Warne leg break on a fifth day subcontinental wicket, rolled back in, and then was whisked away by the Swans. Thirty seconds later it was in the hands of Logan McDonald, with the football gods offering him a chance at redemption.
While all the post-game talk was about Marshall’s bizarre bounce, it was another stroke of luck that saw the Saints open their account against the Swans. After a strong opening to the game, characterised by high pressure tackling and bold ball movement, youngster Darcy Wilson scooped the ball from a pack and snapped over his left. On this occasion the ball bounced the right way and rolled through the big sticks. It was a just reward for the team and was followed soon by aforementioned Marshall who goaled from directly in front. At quarter time, with scores locked at 2.2.14 a piece the crowd, and the opposition, could sense that the Saints were on.
Throughout the second quarter, the arm wrestle continued. The Saints backline, led brilliantly by Callum Wilkie, Josh Battle and the returning Dougal Howard, continued to repel Sydney’s attack. Before long, that man Marshall bobbed up again and kicked the opening goal. Sydney responded instantly through Chad Warner, and then another brilliant effort from Darcy Wilson resulted in Dan Butler snatching back the lead for the Saints. With five minutes until half time, the Saints were running with the ladder leaders, bringing the intensity required. However, Sydney are not multiple games clear in first place for no reason, and as the Saints’ pressure eased, ever so slightly, the Swans took full advantage. Five quick goals saw the Swans head to the main break with a 25 point advantage and all the momentum.
Callum Wilkie was back to his best against the Swans
After a chance to regroup, the Saints came again in the third quarter, continuing to apply pressure on the Swans, a vulnerability exposed by the Dockers a week earlier. A goal to Mason Wood steadied the ship before a gang tackle on Chad Warner sparked a surge. In a matter of minutes, the Saints slammed on four quick goals as Liam Henry and Matheus Phillipou sliced their way through the middle, and Jack Higgins sent the crowd into raptures. With two minutes left on the clock, Swans star Isaac Heeney goaled twice, sapping the momentum, and drawing blood from the cement head of Jimmy Webster. The Saints would have to fight this one right to the end.
Liam Henry sizzled for the Saints
A month in the VFL appeared to do wonders for young star Matheus Phillipou, who was poised and confident throughout the game. His goal to open the final quarter was a solid reward for his efforts and celebrated heartily by his teammates. Once again, it was the spark for another four unanswered goals, as the Saints through Membrey, Sharman, and then Jack Higgins, wrestled back the lead. Up by two points with 11 minutes remaining, it was a nervous watch for the 30,000 fans in attendance. The Saints and Swans both continued to attack and were either stopped by solid defence or let down by wayward kicking. This one would go down to the wire.
Matheus Phillipou celebrates his first goal back in the seniors
In the end, hopes for a Sydney victory rested on the boot of Logan McDonald, for the second week in a row. A goal, with less than a minute remaining, would surely seal the game. As McDonald’s kick sailed toward the goals it looked headed for the middle, and then it didn’t. The ball veered left, again setting the margin at two points. In a frantic final minute, including a blood rule with five seconds left, the Saints did enough to hold on. The final siren saw the red, white and black faithful erupt, and the Saints recorded back to back victories against the Swans for the first time since 2009-10.
Next week: The Saintered Love crew, along with Aisle 29, are hosting the final ‘Away Days’ for 2024, when the Saints head to South Australia to face the Crows. We would love as many Sainters as possible to join us at The OC Bar in Murrumbeena. Details are below, we hope to see you there!
‘Disco’ Stu O’Brien is a lifelong Saints supporter and travel writer. You can check out his travel writing at travelonastustring.com and follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X).
