ST KILDA has struggled to capitalise on Collingwood’s inefficient scoring, falling to a 10-point defeat in a high-scoring affair at La Trobe University in Bundoora on Friday.

Trailing at every break, the Saints toiled hard but couldn’t get the job done, with the Magpies fending off a late St Kilda fightback to run out 14.19 (103) to 14.9 (93) victors and hand the Saints a fourth consecutive loss.

A remarkable 11 goals between the two outfits in the first term suggested a fast-paced fixture was on the agenda, intensified by St Kilda’s willingness to attack the football.

St Kilda endeavoured to move the ball with haste on the back of some strong tackling, recording 59 for the game with a +20 differential over the Pies. 

Down 20 points at the last change, the Saints entered the final term with a wet sail, however Collingwood repeatedly stalled St Kilda's momentum, winning key territory battles and trading blows to edge ahead in the contest.

The Pies’ inaccuracy in front of the sticks (19 behinds) gave St Kilda a sniff to pinch the contest, however late inefficiency in front of goals proved costly for the Saints.

Experienced AFL-listed player Liam Henry (28 disposals, eight tackles, four clearances) battled hard from the outset, and looked lively whenever the Sherrin was in his possession.

Henry’s work was supported by first-year Saints draftee Kye Fincher (27 disposals, six tackles, four clearances), who battled industriously all afternoon.

Fincher utilised the ball by hand with impact (18 handballs) to generate fast chains from the source and undoubtedly had one of his best games for the season.

Veteran Jack Macrae (31 disposals, nine tackles, 18 handballs) also fought well as usual off the flank and worked in tandem with the midfield group to give the Saints a spark.

Up forward, Bailey McKenzie (12 disposals, five goals, four marks) was potent and took his chances when presented to him, registering an incredible performance in his VFL debut year.

McKenzie kicked back-to-back goals in the second term, helping the Saints wrestle back the deficit to just 17 points at the major break.

Remarkably, he followed suit in the third, kicking the next two goals to bring the margin back to single digits.

Billy Richardson (eight disposals, three goals, five marks) was also terrific up front, keeping the margin constantly within arms length.

Patrick Said (13 disposals, two goals, four marks) also produced moments of brilliance in the contest.

The 14th-placed Saints will recharge with a bye before returning home against Carlton on August 9 in a must-win clash to keep their wildcard chances alive.

MATCH FACTS:

COLLINGWOOD: 7.4 9.8 12.14 14.19 (103)
ST KILDA: 4.0 7.3 10.6 14.9 (93)

GOALS: McKenzie 5, Richardson 3, Said 2, Mazzeo, Campigli, Behnk

DISPOSALS: Macrae 31, Henry 28, Fincher 27, Carroll 24, McGee Galimberti 23