ST KILDA have fallen short to a classy Richmond outfit at RSEA Park, with a 48-point loss against the Tigers bringing the Saints’ VFL year to a close.

Out of finals contention heading into the final round, the clash was St Kilda’s final game in what has been a history-making season, returning to the VFL competition for the first time in over 25 years. 

The Saints were undoubtedly in the hunt for the first half, however it was the Tigers who were able to convert their chances more efficiently. With the deficit only in single digits at the main break, Richmond responded to St Kilda’s early fight, holding a lead at arm’s reach after the main break.

AFL-listed midfielder Liam Henry (33 disposals, 9 clearances, 1 goal) kicked the only St Kilda goal in the second half, and toiled hard all day to try ignite the Saints.

St Kilda won the clearance battle but struggled to convert it into scoreboard pressure, wastefully kicking 13 behinds as they tried to fight their way back into the contest after half-time. 

Bailey McKenzie (10 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 goals) was a shining light for the Saints, continuing his strong season in front of goal. McKenzie kicked the first major of the day for St Kilda and added another later, standing tall when his opportunities arose.

Re-signed captain Billy McGee Galimberti (23 disposals, 10 marks, 4 score involvements) led from the front in the disappointing result, fighting hard in his side's final game of the year.

Josh Kol (9 disposals, 5 marks) debuted and impressed in his first outing for the club.

The Saints finished their season 7-1-10, with plenty of exciting moments for the squad to build on heading into 2027.

MATCH FACTS:

RICHMOND: 3.2 5.2 9.4 13.7 (85)

ST KILDA: 0.4 3.7 3.10 4.13 (37)

GOALS: McKenzie 2, Henry, Collard 

DISPOSALS: Henry 33, Fincher 28, Carroll 26, Clarke 25, McGee Galimberti 23, Chambers 23