St Kilda has emerged victorious over Richmond in response to last week’s shellacking at the hands of Brisbane, running away with a 48-point win in the wake of an unanswered four-goal final term.

Sunday’s contest certainly wasn’t one that aligns with Ross Lyon’s earlier declaration of he and the Saints playing “Grinch” to disrupt teams vying for a spot in the top-eight, however comes as four points all the same.

Although unable to dispense anywhere near the damage they received last week courtesy of Brisbane, St Kilda nevertheless came out the right side of the tight and peculiar tussle against this week’s opposition 7.9 (51) to 15.9 (99) at Marvel Stadium.

Rowan Marshall was again dominant to finish runner-up in the Ian Stewart Medal, amassing 23 disposals, 25 hit-outs, 11 marks and three goals to poll behind Richmond’s Daniel Rioli (36 disposals, 600 metres gained, 10 marks).

SAINTS MATCH CENTRE: View all news, stats and videos from Round 22

Only a goal separated the two sides at the quarter-time break as the Tigers countered the Saints’ fast start with back-to-back goals from Jacob Koschitzke and Hugo Ralphsmith, before Marshall flexed his muscles — literally and figuratively — to put his side clear.

The All-Australian ruck contender gave his side a vital leg-up around the ground in his duel with Richmond skipper Toby Nankervis and hit the scoreboard and critical intervals; his third snuffing out all hope of a Richmond resurgence in the final term.

Paddy Dow was among the Saints to benefit directly from Marshall’s service at stoppages, collecting 22 disposals, five clearances and kicking a silky goal against younger brother Thomson to lift his side after coming in as a late inclusion for Mattaes Phillipou (illness).

Josh Battle, Callum Wilkie and Jack Sinclair all pieced together commendable performances to provide drive off the half-back line as Marshall and Tim Membrey slotted three apiece, while for the Tigers, Jayden Short (27 disposals) and Nick Vlastuin (21) were kept busy down back in tandem with Rioli.

Turnovers in defence amounted and were costly for the Tigers, with several missed chances on the counterattack opening the door for the Saints to pounce.

Richmond similarly had their chances up forward, but were never able to take back the lead after Ralphsmith converted early in the opening term.

Bolton fired off a late major with six seconds remaining to give his side a fighting chance heading into the second half — and quickly doubled up to open the third term — but it was the Saints who held sway despite several Richmond advances.

Short had a chance to draw the margin to seven points midway through the third, however missed his set shot to allow the Saints to respond minutes later via Darcy Wilson and Anthony Caminiti to retain ascendancy and knock the fight out of the Tigers in the ensuing term.

RICHMOND  3.1  5.2  7.5  7.9 (51)
ST KILDA  4.1  7.4  11.5  15.9 (99)

GOALS
Richmond: Bolton 2, Bauer 2, Ralphsmith 2, Koschitzke
St Kilda: Marshall 3, Membrey 3, Sharman 2, Butler 2, Owens, Dow, Wilson, Caminiti, Higgins

BEST
Richmond: Rioli, Short, Hopper, Banks, Taranto, Balta
St Kilda: Marshall, Battle, Sinclair, Wilkie, Dow, Membrey

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
St Kilda: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Kaleb Smith replaced Samson Ryan (tactical) at three-quarter time
St Kilda: Jimmy Webster replaced Angus McLennan (tactical) in the third quarter

LATE CHANGES
Richmond: Nil
St Kilda: Paddy Dow replaced Mattaes Phillipou (illness) 

CROWD
21,375 at Marvel Stadium