Saints newly crowned kings of the Oval
ST KILDA waited six years to taste victory at Adelaide Oval but the Saints now have two victories there in less than a week.
For the first time since 2016, and just for the second time in a decade, the Saints have defeated the top-ofthe-ladder team, with a 29point win on Saturday night.
With 11 goals and no behinds after halftime, the Saints showed they will be right in the mix for finals in 2020, as they entered the top four with a massive scalp to end a run of eight straight losses against the Power.
As with their win over the Crows on Monday night, the Saints had to survive a thirdquarter onslaught when the Power had nine forward-50 entries in a row but Port could not impact the scoreboard.
Dean Kent hit the Power with a big sucker-punch and then three straight Saints goals to open the fourth term had St Kilda marching on.
After playing a starring role in the Saints’ last win with his tap-work in the middle of the ground, Paddy Ryder produced more of the same against his former side.
Matched up against Peter Ladhams, the new Saint schooled his old teammate in the middle of the ground.
Ryder finished with 29 hitouts, giving the Saints’ midfield the first look time and time again.
Shifted further forward, Rowan Marshall made a St Kilda attack that used to have Tim Membrey as its focal point a multi-headed beast, combining well with young gun Max King and the Saints’ fleet of smalls.
Darcy Byrne-Jones has flown under the radar for much of his Power career.
He shouldn’t now, as the rebounding defender continued the form that has him well and truly in the mix for All-Australian selection.
Playing as Port’s highest defender, Byrne-Jones caused havoc for the Saints with his rebound off halfback.
Champion Data had Travis Boak as Lachie Neale’s nearest Brownlow Medal rival during the week.
Jack Steele showed he could very well be in the conversation after another sensational game in the middle.
Steele finished with 22 disposals, five clearances and 11 contested possessions and six tackles. He also put the clamps on Port star Boak.