It’s early in the third term, and the Saints are holding on.

Alan Richardson’s men lead by 15 points but it’s the Demons who are pressing hard.

After a couple of missed opportunities at the other end, an unheralded Saints defence is holding firm.

SURGING SAINTS: Red, white and black swarm has Dees on ropes

The Demons enter their forward 50 four times in 90 seconds, but Ben Paton, Callum Wilkie and Jack Newnes, covering from the wing, all have important touches; a spoil, a smother, a clearing kick.

But it’s one moment that stands above the rest.

As the Demons surge towards goal with a series of scrambled possessions, Jayden Hunt finally finds a metre of space.

The Melbourne speedster gathers a high handpass 15m from goal and looks certain to score.

Geary is the last Saint in his way.

If he stands still, Hunt kicks, if he ambles forward, Hunt hits Jake Melksham with an easy handpass to the goal square.

The skipper explodes forward, erasing Hunt’s time to make a decision, and clatters him into him at pace.

LOUD AND PROUD: Watch the boys belt out the song after Round 5

He puts the team first as he’s done a thousand times throughout his career, and Hunt’s rushed handpass spills over the line.

It’s a collision that will cause a severe corky in the 30-year-old’s thigh that will require surgery later that night.

But it ignites the Saints.

Jimmy Webster’s kick-in spreads the ball wide where Seb Ross collects and hands off to Jack Lonie.

The in-form forward spears a pass to Dean Kent, who's playing the game of his life.

Kent wheels and drills a ball to Ben Long, who in turn finds Bruce deep in the forward pocket.

Bruce delivers, making the most of the opportunity with a classy left-foot snap.

GEARY INJURY UPDATE: Skipper set for stint on sidelines

Geary’s courage at the other end is rewarded with a goal, and the Saints pile on four more to finish the quarter 45 points to the good.

Unfortunately, it’s an act that is likely to cost the important defender at least a few weeks on the sidelines.

But it’s a statement that’s likely to last many more.