An inexperienced St Kilda outfit has been outclassed in the second-half by a star-studded North Melbourne in the Saints’ opening game of the NAB Challenge series in Wangaratta.

In hot conditions in northern Victoria, the Saints kept with the Kangaroos for the duration of the first-half before a handful of quality players departed the game at the main break, prompting North Melbourne to boot seven goals to one in the third quarter as they eased away 18.9 (117) to 1.9.10 (73) at Norm Minns Oval.

Paddy McCartin tweaked a hamstring in the opening half, forcing him out of the game. Whilst last year’s Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven, rising star Jack Billings and experienced defender Sam Gilbert didn’t take any part in the second-half as they had their workloads managed.

With Leigh Montagna and David Armitage not playing, a youthful midfield battled gallantly for most of the encounter against a high quality blue and white onball division comprised of Jack Ziebell, Shaun Higgins, Andrew Swallow, Ben Cunnington and Brent Harvey.

After producing an impressive opening half, a departure of class through the middle part of the ground had an emphatic effect on the contest as Ziebell, Swallow and former Hawthorn midfielder Jed Anderson turned the game in North Melbourne’s favour.

Seb Ross (26 possessions and five tackles), Tom Curren (18 possessions) and Jack Newnes (18 possessions and six rebound 50s) led the way for the Saints through the middle of the ground, and Shane Savage (17 possessions and four inside 50s) was damaging at times coming off half back.

Before coming off at half-time, Billings produced an encouraging performance as he continues his return from the stress fracture that ended his 2015 campaign after Round 10. The 20-year-old gathered eight touches and kicked a super goal before departing the game.

First-round draft pick Jade Gresham collected 11 disposals in his first senior experience, looking comfortable at the level with his clean hands and clever ball use.

In an engrossing ruck battle, American product Jason Holmes fought strongly against Majak Daw, collecting 26 hitouts to provide plenty of service around the stoppages. The 26-year-old appears to have taken another step forward with his development after a well-rounded effort against the Kangaroos.

ST KILDA                            0.3.3   1.5.6   1.6.10   1.9.10    (73)                 
NORTH MELBOURNE          0.5.2   0.8.3   0.15.5   0.18.9     (117)         

SUPERGOALS
St Kilda: Billings

GOALS
St Kilda: Bruce 2, Saunders, Acres, Savage, Lee, Sinclair, Shenton, Curren
North Melbourne: Petrie 4, Wood 4, Thomas 3, Waite 3, Higgins 2, Anderson, Harvey

BEST
St Kilda: Ross, Curren, Savage, Newnes, Acres and Saunders.

INJURIES
St Kilda: McCartin (hamstring)

Official crowd: 6,216 at Norm Minns Oval.