St Kilda has drawn with Geelong 97 points apiece in an exciting game that could be crucial part of shaping the top eight.
It was a fast-paced, thrilling contest that at times resembled the halcyon days of the St Kilda/Geelong rivalry with St Kilda balancing the final score with a behind just seconds from the finish.
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The main point of interest for many St Kilda fans and the wider football public was the debut of International Rookie Jason Holmes, an American basketballer who had never touched a football until two years ago.
Holmes gave the fans plenty to be excited about in the ruck, showing off his exceptional leap while also impressing with his competitiveness and football nous developed over a short period of time.
He dominated the hit-outs 34 to Nathan Vardy’s 20.
While his possession count was not high, there was audible excitement from the red, white and black faithful every time the ball was in his hands.
Holmes’ debut was hardly a token gesture in what could have been seen as an insignificant game for the Saints.
Instead, St Kilda burst out of the blocks with the first two goals to Darren Minchington and left Geelong shell-shocked as they look to secure a spot in the finals. Minchington finished with three goals in a career-best performance, pushing forward his case among the sea of small forwards on the St Kilda list.
St Kilda led for most of the first half before the Cats clawed back to the lead at the main break.
Holmes debut was not the only point of difference for the Saints, with Alan Richardson experimenting with a few roles. Nick Riewoldt spent time on the wing, Sam Gilbert played possibly his best game of the season in the midfield, while Seb Ross did a stellar job tagging the dangerous Joel Selwood.
Shane Savage was a welcome return to the St Kilda outfit and was a key plank of the game plan, providing run and carry off half back while also pinpointing teammates up the ground with his long and efficient kicking.
The highlight of Savage’s night came late in the second quarter when he chased down a rather casual Steve Johnson as he wandered in for what looked to be an easy goal. The pressure from the Auckland born former Hawk caused Johnson to dribble his kick to the side, much to the delight of the St Kilda crowd.
Johnson didn’t stay down for too long though, booting three goals in his duel with Cameron Shenton. Johnson and Tom Hawkins present one of the most formidable forward duos in the AFL and the St Kilda backline had its work cut out trying to deal with the pair.
St Kilda’s better players were Jack Steven (26), Leigh Montagna (23), Seb Ross (22), Nick Riewoldt (22) and Sam Gilbert (21) who all stepped up in the absence of on-field leader David Armitage.
The lead changed hands four times in the last quarter but St Kilda hung on for dear life as the final five point margin held for the final ten minutes of the game. Geelong kicked what looked like the sealer though with just three minutes to go on the clock. Shane Savage snapped truly with 20 seconds remaining to record the behind that drew the scoreboard.
ST KILDA: 5.4 8.7 11.9 14.13 (97)
GEELONG: 4.1 9.2 13.4 15.7 (97)
Goals: Minchington 3, Bruce 3, Hickey 2, Gilbert 2, Membrey, Savage, Riewoldt, Newnes
Best: Riewoldt, Steven, Savage, Gilbert, Bruce, Ross, Montagna
Substitute: Murdoch replaced Saunders in the third term
Crowd: 25,245
