A wayward St Kilda managed to straighten up in a final-quarter comeback to snatch victory from North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
The Saints trailed by 16 points and were in deep trouble at three-quarter time of the Sunday twilight game at Marvel Stadium, but stormed home to win 9.15 (69) to 9.7 (61).
St Kilda came out of the gate faster than North with the first two goals of the game, but was overtaken midway through the second term and trailed by 16 points at the final change.
It was a much-needed win for St Kilda after they had lost four of their past five games, while North's losing streak grew to 16.
The loss was no fault of star North on-baller Luke Davies-Uniacke, who was best afield with 33 possessions, 23 of them contested, and 11 clearances.
SAINTS MATCH CENTRE: View all news, stats and videos from Round 19
Saints captain Jack Steele also racked up 33 disposals and put his side in front 12 minutes into the last term when he intercepted a clearing kick from Kangaroos defender Paul Curtis.
That crucial play typified the turnover-laden match, with neither side able to build momentum thanks to a succession of handling errors.
-
04:45
RD19 | All the goals v North Melbourne
Watch every Saints goal from our Round 19 Sunday twilight clash against the Roos.
AFL
Video -
01:05
RD19 | Steele's spectacular last-quarter heroics against the Roos
Watch Jack Steele's best moments as he stands tall to bring the Saints home in a nail-biting last quarter.
AFL
Video -
10:24
RD19 | 'It was nerve-wracking!': Lyon post-game press conference
Senior coach Ross Lyon dissects the St Kilda's narrow win over North Melbourne.
AFL
Press Conference -
-
01:41
RD19 | 'A win's a win...'s a win!': Higgins post-game
Match-winner Jack Higgins catches up for a chat after the Saints' win over the Kangaroos.
AFL
Video -
02:08
RD19 | 'We got back to our game': Windhager post-game
In-form youngster Marcus Windhager speaks to STK Media after racking up a career-high 30 touches against North Melbourne.
AFL
Video -
08:03
RD19 | Highlights v North Melbourne
Highlights form the Saints' eight-point win over North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
AFL
Video -
00:51
RD19 | Heroic Higgins wins it with insane soccer finish
Jack Higgins nails the match-winning goal with an incredible clever major in the dying moments.
AFL
Video -
-
00:42
RD19 | Caminiti unleashes magnificent roost as Saints storm ahead
Anthony Caminiti sticks a brilliant contested mark and drills a spectacular bomb.
AFL
Video -
00:32
RD19 | Higgins pounces on his Tucker to bring Saints alive
Jack Higgins applies a fierce tackle on Darcy Tucker and finishes in style.
AFL
Video -
00:30
RD19 | Hill sent to hospital after crunching bump
Brad Hill is sent to hospital for scans on his chest after a strong bump from Aidan Corr.
AFL
Video -
01:51
Oh When... | Debutant Hayes survived the human steamroller!
Lenny Hayes recalls the time he came face-to-face with Shinboner of the Century Glenn Archer in a bump that brought him into the big leagues.
AFL
Video -
07:41
Lyon dissects Saints' 'conundrum', bouncing back over Roos
Ross Lyon fronts the media for his weekly press conference as the Saints look to bounce back against North Melbourne.
AFL
Press Conference -
06:47
Steele breaks down Saints' past month, getting back on the horse
Captain Jack Steele speaks to the media as he and the Saints look to get back to their early-season form this weekend.
AFL
Press Conference
After trailing at quarter-time, North built a two-goal lead at the main break and looked more likely to win as they kicked two goals to one in the third term.
However, the Saints quickly kicked the first two goals of the final term and the Roos were unable to curb their momentum.
Tarryn Thomas and Nick Larkey kicked three goals apiece for North, while Mitch Owens and Jack Higgins had two for St Kilda, including a snap from Higgins 27 minutes into the final quarter to seal the result.
Saints speedster Bradley Hill went to hospital with chest pain after a heavy bump from Aidan Corr in the first quarter.
North youngster Charlie Lazzaro was a late withdrawal with a back injury and Daniel Howe took his place.
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.3 3.7 4.12 9.15 (69)
ST KILDA 2.0 6.1 8.4 9.7 (61)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Thomas 3, Larkey 3, Xerri, Ford, Ziebell
St Kilda: Owens 2, Higgins 2, Marshall, Sharman, Sinclair, Caminiti, Steele
BEST
North Melbourne: McKay, Davies-Uniacke, Thomas, Larkey, Sheezel, Tucker
St Kilda: Steele, Sinclair, Marshall, Windhager, Crouch, Higgins
INJURIES
North Melbourne: TBC
St Kilda: Hill (chest)
LATE CHANGE
North Melbourne: Howe replaced Lazarro in selected side
Substitutes
North Melbourne: Jack Ziebell (replaced Liam Shiels at three-quarter time)
St Kilda: Jack Billings (replaced Bradley Hill in the first quarter)
