The Saints chalked up their 11th win of the season with a 49-point win over North Melbourne but remain only a slim chance of making the eight.

Jake Carlisle was reported twice for striking Declan Mountford and Luke McDonald in a fiery end to the first term on Sunday.

Richardson’s men need to topple Richmond and rely on Essendon losing to Fremantle and Western Bulldogs going down to Hawthorn to pinch a finals berth.

Riewoldt leaves Etihad a winner
The Age, Daniel Cherny
August 20

No player has played more games nor kicked more goals at Etihad Stadium than Nick Riewoldt. So it was fitting in his final match at the venue where he has provided so much joy for St Kilda supporters, Riewoldt went out a winner.

The Saints' final home game of 2017 was a tribute to the retiring club great, even to the extent that the sign marking the Coventry end under the shut roof at Docklands was replaced by the name "Riewoldt". 

And as has been the way for the majority of his storied career, the former skipper made lead after lead to play a solid - if not starring - role in his side's victory over North Melbourne. The result means St Kilda remain an outside chance to make the final eight, but it is no more than that, given they will have to beat Richmond at the MCG next Sunday, while needing Essendon, West Coast and maybe the Western Bulldogs to lose.

Burn of AFL finals miss looms for Saints
AAP
August 20

Coach Alan Richardson wants St Kilda burning over summer if they miss the AFL finals again.

The Saints honoured retiring legend Nick Riewoldt on Sunday with a resounding 49-point win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The 18.19 (127) to 12.6 (78) win was Riewoldt's last home game and he kicked two goals in a dominating Saints performance.

Saints and North players formed a guard of honour as he was chaired from the field, before Riewoldt acknowledged the fans with a lap of honour.

But amid the happiness, the Saints know they have underperformed this season.