St Kilda’s AFL finals aspirations are alive and well after kicking their best score of the season in a 29-point win over a hot-and-cold Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium.
A strong first quarter and a five-goal flurry to start the final term paved the way for the Saints’ 11th win of the season, moving them up to fifth on the ladder.
St Kilda secures crucial victory over tenacious Hawthorn.
The victory, however, did not come without a scare, as Hawthorn rallied from a 42-point deficit early in the second quarter.
Following St Kilda’s 9.2 first quarter – the Saints’ best term of the season – an old-school spray from Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell had the youthful Hawks going.
After being humiliated early on, Hawthorn’s midfield, led by James Worpel and Jai Newcombe, cut the margin to 11 points at the half.
However, with their season on the line, St Kilda’s early intensity resurfaced in the final term as Brad Crouch (three goals, 32 disposals), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (33 possessions, one goal), and Dan Butler (four goals) performed wonderfully.
Hawthorn’s standout veteran Luke Breust was at his dangerous best up front, scoring an equal career-high six goals to bring his season total to 39.
The triumph was great comfort for the Saints, who had been upset by the rebuilding Hawthorn early in the season, causing a mid-season slump in form.
St Kilda has a difficult last month as they try to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2011, playing Carlton, Richmond, Geelong, and Brisbane.
To finish inside the top eight, the Saints will need to win at least two of those games.
Zak Jones of St Kilda was subbed off in the first quarter with a knee injury, ending his day early.
Jones had only played four games this season due to achilles and quad ailments.
St Kilda secures crucial victory over tenacious Hawthorn
Cooper Sharman left the game with ice on his hamstring, adding to the Saints’ injury woes.
Anthony Caminiti, a young St Kilda forward, was reported after punching out at Hawthorn skipper James Sicily in the third quarter.
Caminiti appeared to be in trouble at first glance, but replays revealed he made little contact with the Hawks star.
