‘Is this the breakout year for the veteran Kate Shierlaw?’

That was the question asked by the Fox Footy commentary team on Saturday as the 33-year-old Saint slotted her fourth goal at North Sydney Oval to seal St Kilda’s victory and earn this week’s AV Jennings Sainter of the Round.

It was a monumental outing from Shierlaw, who was a constant danger up forward with all her goals coming from set shots - the most important a dagger on the three-quarter time siren to wrestle back momentum heading into the final term.

Coming into the game, the former Blue had never kicked more than a single major in a match, but by half-time, she had doubled that with two goals. By the end of the clash, she had surpassed last year’s tally in just a single match.

The connection between the St Kilda midfielders and the forward-line seemed to click, with delivery inside 50 superb to see Shierlaw score, but also collect 11 disposals and seven score involvements.

Much of these entries came from the returning Georgia Patrikios, who was awarded the two votes from the game after reminding the AFLW world just how much impact she can have.

Back for her first game since Round 9 last year, the young Saint picked up where she left off with 18 disposals, five tackles, five inside-50s and four clearances as she led the St Kilda surge going forward.

While Patrikios’ skill and class were on show, it was her immense pressure in attack that stood out, with four of her tackles coming inside-50 to help lock the ball in and keep the Sydney defenders on their toes.

She was not alone in her fight for the footy, however, with fellow partner-in-crime Nicola Xenos rounding out this week’s votes.

The livewire small forward was electric from the get-go in the Harbour City, constantly proving a threat whenever the ball fell to ground – showcased by an outstanding inside-out torpedo on the run to kick the Saints off in the second term.

Her work in the contest was elite, along with her relentless pressure that led to seven tackles, five of which came from inside-50 as she scrapped and clawed her way to keep finding herself in dangerous positions.

Recognised as Best Emerging Player in last season’s Best and Fairest awards, Xenos will be keen to continue her improvement, laying down the groundwork for a big Season Seven.