The Southern Saints have returned to the winners list with a 23-point triumph over Port Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.   

The Borough benefited from a strong gale in the opening term, but it was the Saints who controlled proceedings over the contest, keeping the visitors goalless in the final quarter to run away with the 6.9 (45) to 3.4 (22) victory at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.  

Winnie Laing was outstanding for the Saints finishing with a match-leading 26 disposals, five tackles and three clearances, along with Hannah Stuart who managed 24 touches and seven tackles.  

Alexandra Hynes pieced together a rucking masterclass with 34 hit-outs and four clearances. Meanwhile contributions from Tayla Kearns (17 disposals, one goal) and Alana Woodward (23 disposals, one goal) also ensured the Saints commanded ascendency across the ground.   

Port Melbourne kicked the first two goals of the game to secure an early lead, but Saints were determined to play the high-intensity contest on their terms.

Dale Robinson's brigade found reward for effort as back-to-back goals from Olivia Flanagan set the pace for the remainder of the match.

With a narrow eight-point lead at three-quarter time, the Saints lifted their work rate as the team’s defensive efforts denied Port Melbourne any opportunity to penetrate its forward-50.

The Saints will meet the third-placed Hawthorn at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday April 9, with the match beginning at 11am.

SOUTHERN SAINTS  1.0  3.6  4.6  6.9 (45)
PORT MELBOURNE  2.1  2.1  3.4  3.4 (22)  

GOALS
Southern Saints: Flanagan 2, Slater 2, Kearns, Woodward
Port Melbourne: Dargan, Harley, Wilson

BEST
Southern Saints: Laing, Wallace, Stuart, Kearns, Buchan, Hynes, Neaves
Port Melbourne: O’Keefe, Bromage, Barton, Taylor, Dyett, Barton, Davie