Saints rise higher than Suns in tough contest
ST Kilda snatched back a topfour place with a fourth consecutive win on Saturday, breaking away from Gold Coast to score a 13.9 (87) to 9.7 (61) win at Marvel Stadium.
The Saints did it with coach Brett Ratten stuck at home because of Covid protocols, with senior assistant Brendon Lade taking the reins to maintain the unbeaten record this year for stand-in coaches.
These two clubs developed a fascinating rivalry in recent years, with their previous five matches – all St Kilda wins – decided by a mere 20 points.
There was more of the same in an opening half that experienced six lead changes, including the Suns kicking three goals in a row in the second term to go nine points clear.
But the Saints took control before the main break, with captain Jack Steele a force in the clinches, and did not ram home the advantage only because of errant goalkicking.
One third-quarter moment proved the inspiration for St Kilda to put the foot down.
A quick kick out of defence seemed destined for Gold Coast pair Wil Powell and Brandon Ellis, only for the Sherrin to bounce away from them as Brad Hill stormed in to pinch it from them.
The ball was slingshot down the other end for Jack Higgins to kick one of his five goals, then Coleman Medal leader Max King soccered through his third soon after.
They led by 28 points early in the final term and were never threatened as milestone man Jade Gresham and Seb Ross supported Steele in the middle and Jack Sinclair impressed again down back.
Gold Coast failed to back up last week’s upset of Carlton and slid to 12th despite Touk Miller’s 32 disposals, seven inside 50s and five clearances.
It is no coincidence St Kilda’s success has coincided with Gresham being fully fit.