Melbourne is a game clear on top of the ladder and remains unbeaten in 2022, after producing its best form so far this year in its 38-point victory over a gallant St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday.
The Saints worked their way back into the contest after the Demons dominated the first half, but ultimately the reigning premiers’ class and experience was telling in their 14.9 (93) to 8.7 (55) triumph – their 15th win on the bounce.
Melbourne looked like it was coasting to a big win early, taking a 23-point margin into quarter-time thanks largely to Kysaiah Pickett (three goals for the match), who gave Jimmy Webster the run-around. Pickett finished the quarter with two goals from eight possessions, of which seven were contested.
Tim Membrey should have kicked the Saints’ first goal after he marked just before quarter-time, but his kick from 15m out straight in front was adjudged to be touched by the man on the mark.
Melbourne showed glimpses of its imperious best during the second quarter, with Ben Brown and Tom McDonald both kicking two goals, and Angus Brayshaw, who was brilliant, adding another.
SAINTS MATCH CENTRE: View all news, stats and videos form Round 8
After seven touches in the first term, Clayton Oliver went berserk in the second, gathering 15 disposals at 87 per cent efficiency, as well as five clearances. He would finish with 38 and possibly three more Brownlow votes, although Ed Langdon (39 touches) and Brayshaw (31 possessions and a goal) are sure to challenge for best afield honours.
The Dees led by 47 points at one stage, but the Saints rallied, with goals to Membrey and Paddy Ryder cutting the deficit to 35 points at the main break.
St Kilda looked up for the fight in the third term, and when Max King kicked the first two goals of quarter, the Saints had four goals in a row and were full of belief.
The Dees steadied, however, with Brown kicking his third goal four minutes before the final change.
The Saints won the term 2.3 to 1.2, handing the Dees their first third-quarter loss of the year, and while the stats don’t paint an accurate picture, Brett Ratten’s men were the better side for most of the term and probably deserved to be closer than the 28-point margin.
St Kilda kept asking questions of the league leaders in the fourth quarter, but the Dees answered every challenge to continue their winning streak which started back in round 20 last year.
MELBOURNE 4.2 9.3 10.5 14.9 (93)
ST KILDA 0.3 3.4 5.7 8.7 (55)
GOALS
Melbourne: Brown 3, Pickett 3, Harmes 2, McDonald 2, Brayshaw, Fritsch, Rivers, Spargo
St Kilda: King 2, Marshall 2, Higgins, Membrey, Ryder, Windhager
BEST
Melbourne: Oliver, Langdon, Brayshaw, Petracca, Harmes, Sparrow, May
St Kilda: Steele, Sinclair, Crouch, Ross, Membrey, Wilkie
INJURIES
Melbourne: None
St Kilda: Butler (ankle)
SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Toby Bedford
St Kilda: Marcus Windhager (replaced Butler)
Crowd: 35,767 at the MCG
