ST KILDA held off a fast-finishing Essendon, but the 11-point win in Saturday night's AAMI Community Series clash came at a cost with injuries to Jack Billings and Hunter Clark.

Billings' night was ended in the third term with a left hamstring issue that saw his leg iced on the interchange bench before more injury misery came the way of the Saints when Clark left the field in the hands of trainers with a suspected dislocated shoulder. 

Together We Rise: Become a 2022 Member today

Clark was hurt after a fierce contest with Essendon's Darcy Parish, with the young Saint's characteristically fearless approach again on show after last year's broken jaw that interrupted his campaign.

It was a shame for the Saints and Clark, who had been one of the highlights for the club in the first half with 15 disposals. Others to impress in the Saints' 12.10 (82) to 9.17 (71) win were Bradley Hill, who starred off half-back with 28 disposals, ruckman Rowan Marshall (24 disposals, 17 hitouts) and Jade Gresham, who showed some of his trademark burst with 18 touches and an exciting early goal. 

After trailing by 20 points at three-quarter time, the Bombers got back to within four points of the Saints before a late goal to Max King, who took five first-term marks, sealed St Kilda's victory. 

New faces
In the second half the Saints blooded Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, their first pick at last year's draft, with the silky wingman lively. Wanganeen-Milera was classy on the wing and finished with seven disposals for the half, with the South Australian talent already a fan favourite. Next Generation Academy product Mitch Owens came on in the final term for the Saints. Essendon also has been involved in the pre-season supplemental selection period, signing Tex Wanganeen and Nick Martin last week. Martin came on in the second half and was involved on the wing, gathering 12 disposals in the third quarter alone before finishing with 16 in the half. 

Round one chance
St Kilda this week officially added marking swingman Jack Hayes to its list and he looks a good chance for a round one debut after impressing with 12 disposals and a goal. He offers good versatility for the Saints' coaches.

Match Report
Happy homecoming complete as Saints go back-to-back

ESSENDON                2.4   5.7   7.11   9.17 (71)
ST KILDA                 5.1   8.5   11.7   12.10 (82) 

GOALS
Essendon: Wright 3, Perkins 2, Baldwin, Draper, Langford, Redman
St Kilda: Membrey 3, Butler 2, King 2, Wood 2, Crouch, Gresham, Hayes

BEST
Essendon: Perkins, Parish, Caldwell, McGrath, Wright, Ridley
St Kilda: Hill, Marshall, Membrey, Gresham, Steele, Sinclair

INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
St Kilda: Billings (left hamstring), Clark (right shoulder)

Reports: Nil 

EXPLORE