Jarryn Geary

In many ways, Geary’s night summed up St Kilda’s. He competed manfully, gave his all, and for a long time, looked as though he might come out on top. The rugged defender was involved in plenty of push and shove from the outset and had the better of Carlton goal-sneak Jeff Garlett. The dangerous Blue was barely sighted for most of the game, and finished with only seven possessions. Geary, meanwhile, was having an influence. He rebounded from 50 on four occasions and went inside 50 three times. A big knock to the knee wasn’t enough to keep him down – he returned soon after with some strapping, and continued to compete aggressively. As the Saints faded, Garlett was gifted a few chances and was able to convert, finishing with three goals from his seven touches. It was a result that didn’t seem fitting given Geary’s performance.

Clinton Jones

Defensive jobs often go unnoticed, but Jones’s performance on Carlton skipper Marc Murphy was too good to miss. Having brilliantly shut down Fremantle’s Stephen Hill just six days earlier, Jones turned his attention to Murphy, who was determined to put in an improved performance after a poor showing against Collingwood last week. Murphy did his best to work his way into the game but was constantly blocked and harassed by Jones, who also worked hard offensively, kicking two goals in the opening half. Both Murphy and Jones finished with 20 possessions, though many of Murphy’s came when the game was over in the final quarter. Jones has taken a number of big scalps since returning to his traditional tagging role, having spent the earlier part of the season in a less negating role. He’ll be looking for another big scalp when the Saints take on the Power on Saturday.

Farren Ray

With inside midfielders David Armitage, Jack Steven, Lenny Hayes and Clinton Jones matching Carlton around the ball, Ray played a pivotal role in providing outside run. Ray ran hard all night, receiving 12 handballs and finishing with 26 possessions. His ability to link up through the middle of the ground had plenty to do with St Kilda’s ability to control the play for large portions of the game in the first three quarters. Ray worked tirelessly at both ends of the ground, with four inside 50s and three rebound 50s. He may be flying under the radar, but Ray has had a very consistent season, averaging 20 possessions and five marks per game.

Tom Lee

Lee kicked 60 goals for Claremont in the WAFL last year, and just four matches into his AFL career it’s becoming clear he’s a natural goal-kicker. The 194-centimetre forward has shown he doesn’t need much of the ball to influence a match. In the last fortnight he has averaged just 10 disposals, but has also averaged five scoring shots and kicked three goals in each match. His output is likely to improve as he improves his fitness and makes his way to more marking contests. With Nick Riewoldt back in the team, having missed last week’s match due to soreness, Lee will have the perfect role model.

Lenny Hayes

He’s a marvel. Everyone, both inside and outside of St Kilda, continues to sing his praises but Hayes just keeps delivering. 27 possessions, nine clearances, six inside 50s and five tackles is a great set of numbers no matter how you look at it, but the fact Hayes was able to have that sort of influence against Chris Judd – his direct opponent for most of the night –  is even more impressive. His presence around the ball makes life easier for the likes of David Armitage and Jack Steven, who were constantly battered around the contest in his absence. As some young players tire towards the back-end of the year, Hayes’s physical and mental maturity is likely to be a huge asset.