In Round 5, Beau Wilkes was one of St Kilda’s best players against Melbourne, booting three goals in a low scoring contest. Today, he stood up when presented with an opportunity, kicking five majors in the teams' second meeting of the year.
In just his seventh game for the season the 26-year-old took 12 marks in amongst 17 possessions and was a vital cog in the Saints forward structure. Crucially, he was able to fill the void when Nick Riewoldt was subbed out at quarter time and provide a valuable forward target.
2. 3rd term the difference
In the second term Melbourne rallied. They scratched and clawed and put St Kilda under enormous pressure. At one point, the margin was just four points with the resilient Demons on the charge. After half time however, the Saints collectively put their foot on the accelerator to run over Mark Neeld’s men with a seven goals to two third quarter that ultimately proved the difference.
3. Dal Santo… Again
Once again, Nick Dal Santo exemplified his abundance of poise and skill to collect 30 touches for the day, the second time in 2012 that he has registered 30 disposals. His nine possessions in the third term helped swing the game back in St Kilda’s favour and along with Leigh Montagna (29 possessions, 8 clearances), the Saints kicked seven unanswered goals to effectively shut the door on Melbourne.
With astonishing regularity, Dal Santo breaks games apart when his team needs him most. With Riewoldt down, Dal Santo exuded pure class. This is not to say his play is without substance, rather the elegance and fluency of his movement and skill overshadows a decent proportion of his grunt work.
4. Eight on the trot
When Melbourne last defeated St Kilda, in an elimination final six seasons ago, Grant Thomas was in charge of the Saints and Neale Daniher at the helm of the Demons. Since that night, St Kilda has won eight consecutive games against Melbourne by an average of 40 points. In a complete reversal, from 2000-04 Melbourne defeated the Saints on seven successive occasions.
St Kilda now boasts extensive winning streaks against the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne, a testament to the clubs consistency over a long period of time.
5. In the hunt
As Scott Watters eluded to in his post-match press conference, seemingly every game is a crunch encounter for St Kilda. Friday’s clash with Geelong at Etihad Stadium looms as make or break for the Saints, as they seek to keep their finals hopes alive.
Adam Schneider is a chance to return, along with Jason Blake who has been selected in the VFL this weekend after an extended injury layoff. With a healthy percentage, three wins from their remaining three games should be enough for September action, yet a revitalised Geelong presents a stern test for the Saints who haven’t met the Cats since Round 13, 2011.
