ST KILDA 4.3 10.6 15.12 21.18 (144)
GOLD COAST 1.3 3.6 6.6 7.7 (49)
St Kilda has registered yet another blow to the sorry Gold Coast Suns with a 95 point drubbing at the slowly emptying Metricon Stadium.
Nick Riewoldt starred for the Saints with seven goals, booting his 500th career goal to remind the AFL world of his class.
In an otherwise unspectacular contest, where it seemed as though Gold Coast had already removed their belt to save their opponent the trouble in the inevitable pantsing, ‘Roo’ was given the chance to celebrate his achievement at ‘home’ in Queensland.
The game started promisingly for the Suns, who went in only three goals down at the first break and found themselves just a goal down minutes into the second term.
Afterwards, however, it was all the Saints and their controversially quiet blonde skipper. Former Melbourne full back Matt Warnock had another day to forget as he watched his opponent tear him up at a level Riewoldt has struggled to achieve since the Kim Duthie scandal.
The Saints kicked six quick fire, consecutive goals in the second to lead the Gold Coast by seven goals at the major break. They then kicked another three early in the third to blow the margin out past respectable limits before the Suns managed to sneak a handful of goals through before the final change.
Unfortunately for the Saints, their huge third time was blighted when livewire forward Ahmed Saad went down with a head injury and had to be removed from the field of play.
Despite the injury, they booted six goals to one in the final term to emerge as 95-point victors. This was the second 15 goal beating they have given the Suns this year after their 92-point Round 2 triumph.
For the Suns, Campbell Brown went off the field with a leg injury early, but emerged in a brace on the bench in the second half, much to the relief of any Suns supporter who was still watching at the time.
At 0-11 this year, serious questions must be asked of ‘Bluey’ McKenna. He was re-signed just a few weeks ago in a show of faith from the GC board – but after being told that they had to win at least six games this year, he may yet find himself in hot water.
Unlike the GWS Giants, they are losing their games without a fight. Their collection of kiddies are living in a dream world, and the Suns will do well to avoid comparisons with the Brisbane Bears: A side who actually had a fairly successful few years in the competition but couldn’t attract the fans.
Sam Iles registered 27 disposals, while Jarrad Brennan and Tom Hickey booted two goals.
Meanwhile, the Saints continue their march towards the finals once again – now sitting 6-5. Jason Gram accumulated 30 disposals, while Riewoldt booted seven and Justin Koschitzke registered three goals. Jack Steven went head to head with Gary Ablett and kept the star to just 20 touches.
It was a great night for Scott Watters who appears to be steering the ship in the right direction with his injection of youth and speed into an experienced lineup, while McKenna will no doubt sleep restlessly this week. He’s used to it, at least.
VOTES:
3 – Nick Riewoldt toweled up Matthew Warnock, registering his 500th goal in his bag of seven.
2 – Nick Dal Santo’s 25 touches and a goal were valuable to the Saints. The smooth-mover is proving that he’s not done just yet, and has looked electrifying at times this year.
1- Justin Koschitzke’s 3 goals in a forward line dominated by Riewoldt was a commendable effort from a player whose only starting to show some consistency in his 12th season of AFL.
GOALS
St Kilda: Riewoldt 7, Koschitzke 3, Milne 2, Saad 2, Steven 2, Blake, Clarke, Dal Santo, Milera, Siposs
Gold Coast: Hickey 2, Brennan 2, Rischitelli, Stanley, Hall
INJURIES
St Kilda: Cripps replaced in selected side by Clarke; Ray replaced in selected side by Schneider; Saad (head)
Gold Coast: Brown (cork)
SUBSTITUTES
St Kilda: Adam Schneider replaced Ahmed Saad in the third quarter
Gold Coast: Matt Shaw replaced Campbell Brown in the second quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Hay, Findlay, Jeffery
Official crowd: 12,534 at Metricon Stadium
