ST KILDA has registered its first victory for the season, defeating Essendon by 50 points at Morwell Recreation Reserve.

In a largely defensive encounter, the Saints had 13 goalkickers. 

St Kilda did what they needed in a game they had to win. After a tight first term they kicked four goals to one in the second quarter to open a lead, and from there they maintained it and held off the Bombers, who pressed in the third quarter.

Alan Richardson's developing side slammed on six goals to one in the final term to claim its first win after a close defeat to the Brisbane Lions last week in Townsville.

LAUNCHED: Saints Membership March

It was the usual suspects rather than the new faces who shone in the defensive arm wrestle. Jack Steven found his zip and had 22 disposals, including three centre clearances, while veteran midfielder Leigh Montagna led the way with 27.  

Stand-in captain Jarryn Geary was solid, and second-year midfielder Luke Dunstan was also able to have an influence in his first game of the season after missing last week with an ankle injury. Dunstan limped from the field with a leg complaint in the third but returned in the fourth term and helped set up a goal for his team.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT: Jason Holmes' running goal

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT: Jack Steven's stunning finish

The diagnosis was less positive for midfielder Seb Ross, who left the field in the third term appearing to have injured his hamstring.

Wearing jumper No.72, Clint Jones, playing against his old team, showed he could still find the ball, gathered 22 disposals and offered a hard body inside the contest. Marcus Marigliani, who played two games for the Bombers in 2010, also found 22.

St Kilda members will get free access to all NAB Challenge games. To sign up, call 1300 467 246 or click HERE. 

WHAT WE LEARNED

St Kilda: The Saints will have been buoyed by a passage of play in the second term. Jack Steven won the ball and sprinted away, steadied and kicked a goal. In terms of the game it was relatively insignificant. But given Steven's battle with a persistent foot injury last year, it was encouraging to see him with his dash and speed at top level. The Saints will also know the inclusion of Nick Riewoldt in the home and away season will doubtless help Tim Membrey settle into the club's forward line. The former Sydney Swan got near a few opportunities against the Bombers without ever really grasping them.

NEW FACES

St Kilda: Hugh Goddard played his first game for the Saints after being left out of last week's team, and started in defence against Bomber Shaun McKernan. Goddard, pick 21 at last year's NAB AFL Draft, used his body well and competed strongly. He also appeared comfortable pushing a little further up the ground and giving some rebound. No.1 pick Paddy McCartin had a quiet day but took a nice mark on the lead in the first term and converted his shot at goal. Rookie Jack Sinclair started as a substitute but came on to kick a goal, and Jack Lonie offered some spark in the forward line with 17 disposals and a goal.  

ESSENDON         0.2.2   0.3.2   0.7.2   0.8.3    (51)                  

ST KILDA            0.2.3   0.6.5   0.9.6   0.15.11    (101)          

 

SUPERGOALS

Essendon: Nil

St Kilda: Nil

 

GOALS

Essendon: Edwards 3, Giles 3, Ashby, Kavanagh

St Kilda: Bruce 2, Minchington 2, Steven, Shenton, Lonie, Ross, Acres, Membrey, Saad, Sinclair, Bruce, Holmes, McCartin

 

BEST 

Essendon: J.Merrett, Brown, Giles, Edwards, Jones, Ashby, Chapman

St Kilda: Montagna, Steven, Weller, Newnes, Lonie, Shenton, Geary

 

INJURIES

Essendon: Nil

St Kilda: Seb Ross (hamstring), Luke Dunstan (knee)

 

SUBSTITUTES

Essendon: Mitch Clisby replaced Sam Tagliabue in the third quarter; Aaron Heppell replaced Jordan Schroder in the third quarter.

St Kilda: Jack Sinclair replaced Sean Dempster in the third quarter; Tom Hickey replaced Jason Holmes in the third quarter

 

Reports: Nil

Official crowd: 5542 at Morwell Recreation Reserve