St Kilda has narrowly fallen short of producing a stunning upset over Hawthorn in Tasmania, with the reigning premiers just eclipsing the Saints 13.9 (87) to 13.6 (84) to extend their streak at Aurora Stadium to 16 wins on the trot.

The Saints had opportunities to depart the apple isle with four premiership points, leading by as much as two-goals halfway through the final quarter on the back of a stirring performance after half-time, with two clutch goals late in the third stanza from recently re-signed key forward Josh Bruce providing the visitors with momentum into the last term.

But just like they have done many times before, Hawthorn willed their way to victory at their home away from home, with champion ball-magnet Sam Mitchell continuing his dominant start to 2016 with a career-high haul of 44 disposals.

In typical windy conditions in Launceston, Alan Richardson’s side came to play against a side with the most imposing ‘home’ record in the competition, with the Saints building their game from frenetic pressure and brave ball movement.

Opposed to a triple-premiership winning midfield, the Saints won the disposal count (+40), contested ball (+14), broke even in the tackle count and narrowly lost the clearances (-5) to emphasise the strides they are making.

Across the entire encounter, St Kilda’s frenetic pressure shone brightly. Two, three and four players swarmed around Hawks at every opportunity, ensuring the reigning premiers weren’t allowed any fluency on transition.

Aside from the influence of Mitchell, St Kilda’s engine room got the job done. Star pair David Armitage (35 possessions, 12 contested) and Jack Steven (23 possessions, seven inside 50s) were gallant in the narrow loss. But just like last week against Collingwood, it was an even spread of contribution that will buoy Alan Richardson when he goes back over the tape.

Seb Ross continued his exceptional start to 2016, collecting 28 possessions and five inside 50s, whilst Jack Newnes was also prolific once again, ticking the odometer on the outer wing of Aurora Stadium to provide an option all day long.

And in a similar manner to seven days earlier, polished young gun Jack Billings demonstrated his improved grunt work again. Not only was he damaging with ball in hand, particularly in the difficult conditions, but the defensive side of his game also shone brightly on an uncharacteristically sunny day in Launceston.

In his first senior game in 663 days, Tom Lee was dependable down back showing his ability in a defensive key post. The West Australian, who has undergone a transformation in the VFL across the last 12 months, was damaging with his ball use from 19 possessions and read the ball well to intercept plenty of Hawthorn forays forward.

After being closely monitored for concussion all week, St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt quickly demonstrated that he was over the condition with a typical gutsy pack mark early after streaming down the outer wing. Playing predominantly on a wing, the six-time Trevor Barker Award winner finished with 12 marks, 23 possessions and two goals to make a sizeable contribution once again.

Paddy McCartin, the other concussion victim from last week, wasn’t prolific, but was clean every time he went near the ball. On a difficult day for key forwards, McCartin finished with five marks – three contested – and 2.1. And once again showed signs of his development from last season.

In difficult conditions to transition the ball fluently, Leigh Montagna and Shane Savage still provided plenty of drive from half-back, just like they have done across the opening month of the season. The Saints looked to get the football in Savage’s hands at every opportunity, with the ex-Hawk collecting 30 touches and using the ball at a stunning efficiency rate of 86.7 per cent to be one of Richardson’s best.

Whilst the Saints didn’t depart Tasmania with four valuable premiership points, the brave effort has sent a stern message to the competition. This team will take it up to anyone on any day.

HAWTHORN    5.2   8.2   10.4   13.9  (87)
ST KILDA        2.2   7.3   10.4   13.6  (84)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Breust 2, Sicily 2, O’Brien 2, Puopolo 2, Ceglar 2, Smith, Rioli, Lewis
St Kilda: Riewoldt 2, Bruce 2, McCartin 2, Minchington 2, Lonie, Armitage, Weller, Gilbert, Templeton

BEST
St Kilda: Armitage, Riewoldt, Savage, Billings, Steven, Ross, Montagna.

Official crowd: 15,173 at Aurora Stadium