1. Super Steele, Electric Gresh, Bullish Brown

Sometimes, the sequel can be a major let-down.

But in the case of 'Jack Steele v Patrick Cripps', the follow-up to last season’s epic encounter was just as enthralling as the original.

Although the duo were unable to crack the 30-disposal mark set in last year’s clash, the fiery contest between two midfield bulls remained a highlight throughout the scrappy afternoon.

Steele was among the Saints' best, with 28 disposals (nine contested), four clearances and 10 bone-crunching tackles.

Cripps finished as Steele’s equal in terms of disposals and notched up eight clearances, but the Blues' skipper couldn't reach his damaging best.

Steele wasn’t alone through the centre, as the dynamic Jade Gresham accumulated a career-high 29 disposals and six clearances.

His flair and vigour was contrasted by the resolute defensive efforts of Nathan Brown (13 one-percenters, four rebound-50s), who stood tall when the Saints were under siege.

Whether it be stemming the Blues’ source, surging the Saints forward or restricting Carlton’s talls, the trio ticked off its respective tasks to play a major role in St Kilda’s victory.

Now sitting with an even ledger of 5-5, the Saints' clash in China sets itself as an even bigger occasion.

2. In the heat of the moment

There was certainly no love lost between St Kilda and Carlton on Sunday afternoon.

Recent history between the two sides has resulted in three spiteful encounters, and the heated Round 10 clash was no different.

Two separate melees broke out during the third term, and although both were quickly snuffed out, it was clear neither side would back down.

Ben Long was reported for rough conduct after bumping Levi Casboult late in a marking contest, initiating the first brawl in the centre of the ground.

Matty Parker meanwhile found himself on Dale Thomas’ radar on the three-quarter time siren, with the former’s push on Kade Simpson near the boundary line agitating the riled-up Blues.

Matthew Kreuzer may come under fire after making contact with Luke Dunstan off the ball in the first quarter, while Dunstan himself was reported for collecting Michael Gibbons high.

3. 'Kent' argue with that effort

While he didn’t finish with a goal, Dean Kent was pivotal in creating them.

Five score involvements and five inside 50s – four of which were racked up in the frantic final quarter – emphasised the small forward’s impact late in the contest.

But it was one selfless moment in particular that epitomised his elite forward-half pressure.

With the Blues gearing up to wrestle back momentum in the third term, errant kicking forward once again took hold of the Saints.

A St Kilda miskick was to the Blues’ advantage, and a damaging slingshot inboard to a vacant centre square looked more than likely.

But Kent, well behind the contest, bravely came off his man with a characteristic burst of speed, winning the two-on-one battle before spearing the ball inside 50m to register the Saints’ 10^th consecutive entry.

A combined tackle from Jack Billings and Matty Parker resulted in the latter’s first goal of the game, but it wouldn’t have been possible without Kent’s bold play.

4. Parker's pride in his people

Sir Doug Nicholls Round was an historic day for the footy club, and saw four indigenous Saints pull on the guernsey together for the first time in its 146-year history.

And it was Matty Parker who capped off the occasion with a sensational celebration reflective of his heritage and culture.

After missing three shots on goal and dishing off a fourth to Jack Billings, Parker was finally able to celebrate his goal in style in the third term.

As the cult figure broke into a traditional dance, the ground rose to its loudest cheer and his teammates rushed from everywhere.

Parker ended his afternoon with two goals, 13 disposals and five marks to punctuate one of his most fruitful performances on the big stage.

5. Ed bags his maiden honour

It’s always a special experience whenever a player kicks their first goal.

And for Ed Phillips, that moment came in one of the most significant rounds on the AFL calendar.

With Carlton's ferocious intent resulting in the first two goals of the game, the Saints needed to peg one back.

And on the end of Jade Gresham’s spearing ball inside 50m was the running Phillips, who went back and coolly converted to open the Saints’ scoring account.

After 10 games, he’s finally got a major to his name.

Congratulations, Ed!