Down and out midway through the first, and seemingly lacking any run and pace early in the last, the Saints rallied, scrapped and clawed their way towards a 16-point victory tonight.
This clash, between two teams that were both 2-2, was as much about the future as it was about the present.
Jack Billings, in just his second game of AFL football and first full match, shone like a seasoned veteran. He booted two goals, had a disposal efficiency of above 80 per cent, and never looked rushed in a game that was as hectic as it was enthralling.
And while Billings, Newnes and Webster all played arguably their best games in the red, white and black, it was the grunt of Lenny Hayes, the craftiness of Adam Schneider and the sheer leadership of Nick Riewoldt that willed Alan Richardson's men over the line.
To keep the AFL's most prolific scoring team to less than ten goals was the catalyst, as it demonstrated St Kilda's ability shut the game down and play it on highly contested terms.
And while Billings, Newnes and Webster all played arguably their best games in the red, white and black, it was the grunt of Lenny Hayes, the craftiness of Adam Schneider and the sheer leadership of Nick Riewoldt that willed Alan Richardson's men over the line.
To keep the AFL's most prolific scoring team to less than ten goals was the catalyst, as it demonstrated St Kilda's ability shut the game down and play it on highly contested terms.
Moreover, no side in 2014 had amassed more touches than the Bombers prior to this round, and St Kilda finished with just five fewer disposals than Essendon this evening, but clipped them by two in the contested possessions department.
The Bombers gave one final yelp, but it was a case of too little, too late for Mark Thompson's men, who are now 2-3 after five rounds.
St Kilda rarely played beautiful football, but that's not the mantra of the 2014 edition. Rather, it's the relentless attack on the footy and unwavering aggression in the clinches that defines this team.
Often it's Riewoldt who gets all the plaudits, and Billings is sure to join him tonight, but it was the middle-men such as Farren Ray, who collected above 20 disposals for the 13th straight match, that proved most significant.
James Gwilt was again sturdy and ever-reliable, while Rhys Stanley's high marking and competitive ruck-work allowed St Kilda considerable flexibility.
The Bombers gave one final yelp, but it was a case of too little, too late for Mark Thompson's men, who are now 2-3 after five rounds.
St Kilda rarely played beautiful football, but that's not the mantra of the 2014 edition. Rather, it's the relentless attack on the footy and unwavering aggression in the clinches that defines this team.
Often it's Riewoldt who gets all the plaudits, and Billings is sure to join him tonight, but it was the middle-men such as Farren Ray, who collected above 20 disposals for the 13th straight match, that proved most significant.
James Gwilt was again sturdy and ever-reliable, while Rhys Stanley's high marking and competitive ruck-work allowed St Kilda considerable flexibility.
Lenny Hayes wound back the clock with a 32-disposal, six clearance effort. His endeavour in the last term, when the Saints were hanging on for dear life, was most impressive. Never does Hayes shirk an issue or evade a contest, and tonight was a timely reminder of the veteran's extraordinary will to compete.
If St Kilda goes on to achieve the ultimate success in future years, this match will be reflected upon as the pivotal moment in the club's evolution. Youngsters learning from experience, with a game-plan that looks to stand the test of time.
If St Kilda goes on to achieve the ultimate success in future years, this match will be reflected upon as the pivotal moment in the club's evolution. Youngsters learning from experience, with a game-plan that looks to stand the test of time.
Naysayers will suggest Essendon wasn't at its best after six-day break to Perth and missing Brendon Goddard, but that perspective takes too much away from an inspired Saints effort.
Luke Dunstan is 19, Jack Billings is 18 - but tonight, both teenagers resembled established stars.
STK 11.15 (81)
ESS 9.11 (65)
BEST
Hayes, Riewoldt, Billings, Schneider, Montagna, Webster, Geary
Luke Dunstan is 19, Jack Billings is 18 - but tonight, both teenagers resembled established stars.
STK 11.15 (81)
ESS 9.11 (65)
BEST
Hayes, Riewoldt, Billings, Schneider, Montagna, Webster, Geary
