ST KILDA 11.11 (77) def CARLTON 9.14 (68)
ST KILDA and Carlton have produced another thriller in their annual Monday night clash, with the Saints victorious by nine points infront of 34,000 at Etihad Stadium.
The Blues had a horrid start to the match, losing Michael Jamison (shoulder), David Ellard (hamstring) and Chris Yarran (hamstring), on top of the late withdrawal of utility Andrew Carrazzo (calf) and the absent Jarrad Waite (suspension) and Bryce Gibbs (hamstring).
The Saints took a 7 point lead into quarter time and it wasn’t hard to see why when they were ahead in all the key stats.
Stephen Milne and Nick Riewoldt (3 goals) kicked St Kilda’s first two goals which turned into four for the second quarter as the Blues could only manage one goal heading into half time.
The Saints were ahead in all areas by half time, ahead in disposals (217-152), inside 50s (26-19), contested possessions (78-66) and tackles (38-26).
With the Blues 25 points down heading into the third term, coach Mick Malthouse switched ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and defender Lachie Henderson (3 goals), which proved a masterstroke move as the Blues forged a late comeback.
The Blues came back after trailing by 33 points at three quarter time, bringing the margin back to four points half way through the final quarter.
When it looked like the Blues were going to run the Saints off their legs, Ahmed Saad got a clear breakaway from a stoppage to give the home side a handy ten point buffer with five minutes left to play.
That proved enough as the Saints held possession for the win, as the final scoreboard read 11.11 (77) to 9.14 (68).
The Saints travel to AAMI Stadium to face the Crows next round, while the Blues will be keen to make amends when they host Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium in an early Sunday match.
ST KILDA 3.5 7.7 10.8 11.11 (77)
CARLTON 2.4 3.6 4.11 9.14 (68)
GOALS
St Kilda: Riewoldt 3, Saad 2, Milne 2, Siposs, Roberton, Milera, Armitage
Carlton: Henderson 3, Garlett 2, Walker, Simpson, McLean, Hampson
BEST
St Kilda: Riewoldt, Steven, McEvoy, Fisher, Geary, Dal Santo
Carlton: Judd, Henderson, Garlett, Armfield, Walker, Scotland
INJURIES
St Kilda: Nathan Wright (head), Arryn Siposs (ankle)
Carlton: David Ellard (calf), Chris Yarran (hamstring), Michael Jamison (shoulder), Andrew Carrazzo (calf) replaced in the selected side by Jaryd Cachia
SUBSTITUTES
St Kilda: Jimmy Webster replaced Nathan Wright in the third quarter
Carlton: Jaryd Cachia replaced David Ellard in the first quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Stewart, Chamberlain, Kamolins
Official crowd: 34,054 at Etihad Stadium