JOSH Bruce has announced himself as a key forward of considerable potential, booting six goals in St Kilda’s enthralling 28-point win over Gold Coast this evening, including four in the second term.

With 24 games to his name, largely as a defender, the 197cm ex-GWS Giant had kicked nine career goals prior to tonight, three of which were against the Suns late last year. Just twice had he registered multiple majors in a single game of league football.

But following this thrilling performance, which it must be said was in part due to Nick Riewoldt’s selfless willingness to play further afield; Bruce is no longer the solid contributor he was in 2014. In fact, he’s got ‘star’ factor written all over him. Potential is one thing, to deliver is another.  

In many respects, Bruce encapsulates everything Saints fans are excited about as the club regenerates both on the field and off it. He is talented, young and highly competitive.

A hard-fought first term demonstrated positive signs, but not even the most optimistic fan would have foreshadowed what took place in the second quarter.

Not since round 22, 2012 have the Saints booted eight majors in a quarter. Well, tonight was the right time to put an end to that unflattering statistic.

St Kilda’s second quarter was a tantalising window into the future. The pressure, as it was for much of round one, was simply relentless. Gold Coast had no space or time to use the ball efficiently, and as a result the Saints forced turnovers and capitalised handsomely.

Not even Gary Ablett, who was closely tracked by Jarryn Geary, could influence the game significantly.

As mentioned, Bruce was stunningly good, but Jack Lonie and Jack Sinclair also kicked their first career goals in what was a stirring quarter of football. Lonie was a livewire all evening and looks to be a long-term prospect, while Sinclair is unfazed by AFL football and rarely makes a mistake.

It was fitting that Sinclair booted the sealer and his second late in the final term.

St Kilda pumped the ball inside 50 on 20 occasions to the Suns six for the quarter, tangibly illustrating the utter domination that took place.

If we glance into a crystal ball and fast forward five years, this may be the 30 minutes of football that we look back on and think ‘that’s when the wheel turned.’ Because like every successful team, before they became dominant they had moments of grandeur.

Last week, and more so this week, St Kilda’s moments have been enthralling. The ‘have a crack’ Alan Richardson philosophy translates directly to on field play with his team.

Sometimes all it takes is an ounce of self-belief to turn things around, and with Richardson’s guidance and Riewoldt’s selfless leadership guiding a young team, belief is exactly what the emerging Saints are developing.

At half-time, Richardson played the percentages. His team came out and controlled the tempo. While not as daring and bold with their ball movement, what this did show was the Saints willingness and aptitude to switch gears.

This, perhaps more than anything else, was the best sign this evening. To possess the ability to play a fast and attacking brand, then flick a switch when the game situation dictates into a more conservative style, is what all good  teams do. It also confirmed what most Saints already know, that Richardson’s coaching style suits this team perfectly.

Ahmed Saad was subbed with concussion, Riewoldt missed an easy set shot, but nothing could change the course of this contest. Nathan Wright came on an immediately looked lively, while Sam Fisher in his 200th game continued to hold forte in defence.

David Armitage amassed a career-best 35 touches and Jack Steven was electric in the midfield alongside the left-footer.  

But the story of the night was St Kilda’s key forward, and for once this wasn’t Nick Riewoldt. There will be bumps, hurdles and maybe even a few roadblocks along the way, but undoubtedly the Saints are on the right path.

Tonight proved this emphatically. 

ST KILDA: 16.8 (104)

GOLD COAST: 10.16 (76)

GOALS: Bruce 6, Sinclair 2, Riewoldt 2, Saad 2, Dunstan, Lonie, Roberton, Curren

BEST: Bruce, Armitage, Steven, Newnes, Savage, Lonie, Fisher