Saint proves he’s still in reasonably good Nick

IN a week when the game’s veterans were in the spotlight, St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt has given the football world a reminder that his game is in no danger of slowing down.

While North Melbourne will be saying goodbye to four of its elder statesmen, Riewoldt showed age was no barrier as he dominated in the Saints’ 58-point win against the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.

Putting on a forward masterclass, Riewoldt broke open the game for the Saints in a brilliant second quarter, in which he reeled in 11 marks and kicked three goals, running his retiring opponent Daniel Merrett ragged in his 200th and last game for the Lions. He finished the match with an amazing set of numbers in what is likely to be his last game leading the Saints on the field before he hands over the reins to a new leader next season.

The skipper, who will extend his career into a 17th season next year, wrapped up the match with nine goals, 21 marks and 26 disposals as the Saints finished the season with 12 wins, only falling short of a finals berth by percentage in the end.

While the Saints finished on a high in a season that had unveiled plenty of promise, the loss for the Lions was the final nail in a disastrous 2016 campaign that has coach Justin Leppitsch under serious pressure to keep his job.

But the Lions, who finished with just the three wins for the year, did just enough on the scoreboard against the Saints to avoid the wooden spoon.

After the final home-and-away game, just .6 of a per cent separated the Lions and last-placed Essendon, who will now have the top pick in the national draft.

Riewoldt’s day out was a highlight for the Saints, with the 33-year-old still diving for marks and sprinting on his famous long leads with as much endeavour as he ever has.

The champion forward was well supported by midfield ace Jack Steven (31 disposals and one goal) and David Armitage (30 disposals and one goal) in his 150th game, while Jack Lonie and Josh Bruce each had three goals.

Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff led the Lions with 37 disposals and Josh Walker had three goals, but there were few positives for the struggling side.

Riewoldt began to assert his influence on the match in the second quarter as his match-up with Merrett became a major issue for the Lions. The Saints’ skipper helped the Saints seize control of the game to set up a 29point lead at the halftime break.

Merrett was moved forward for the Lions for the second half, with the veteran forward kicking the Lions’ first goal of the second half, while Matthew Hammelmann moved on to Riewoldt.

Up by 45 points at the last change, the Saints did not ease up on their attack in the final quarter.

The Riewoldt show continued with four final-quarter goals.

N. Riewoldt 9, J. Bruce 3, J. Lonie 3, N. Wright 2, T. Membrey 2, B. White, D. Armitage, J. Geary, J. Newnes, J. Steven, S. Gilbert.

J Walker 3 L Dawson 2 R Mathieson 2 T Rockliff 2 B Keays D Merrett D Rich D Zorko P Hanley T Bell.

N Riewoldt J Steven D Armitage D Roberton J Lonie J Newnes J Holmes. D Zorko T Rockliff J Walker T Cutler S Martin.