St Kilda's valiant final charge has fallen agonisingly short, with an inaccurate Brisbane outfit escaping as two-point victors in Sir Doug Nicholls Round to consolidate their spot in the top-two.

The Saints found themselves on the end of the match's last momentum swing, kicking the last two goals of the game to power towards a narrow come-from-behind win.

But despite the spirited rush – and an influential final term from Jack Billings who brought his side within three points courtesy of a brilliant checkside goal – the clock ultimately won out to put the heart-racing 6.14 (50) to 7.6 (48) result in the books.

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Brett Ratten's men had their opportunities to snatch the lead in the high-pressure final minutes, with several shots at the big sticks fading away or being thwarted by the Brisbane defence, which was led superbly by Harris Andrews (16 disposals, 10 intercepts).

It was the story of the match for the Saints, who throughout the course of the afternoon stumbled at the final hurdle, fell on the wrong side of potential half-chances and weren't able to fully capitalise in front of goal.

The off-kilter Lions also missed gettable chances to further their lead, with Eric Hipwood presenting well all day (eight marks) but registering just three behinds for his efforts. 

Jack Steele was superb with 25 touches (18 contested), 10 tackles and a goal to drive to his terrific 2020 to another level, while tall timber Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder were particularly influential in the ruck with a combined 27 hit-outs.

Marshall looked to have kicked a Goal of the Year contender with a mid-air hack while going to ground in the opening term, but an incredibly unfavourable bounce and an attempt by Tim Membrey to keep it in play resulted in just the minor score.

Seb Ross also played a vital hand in shutting down Brownlow favourite Lachie Neale, who was kept to 19 disposals – the first time he'd dipped below 20 disposals this season.

The star Lion moved onto Steele in the second half, who had racked up 18 touches (14 contested) by the main break, leaving youngsters Jarrod Berry (20 disposals, two goals) and Hugh McCluggage to deal the most midfield damage for their side.

Sunday's defeat marked the fourth result of St Kilda's campaign determined by a goal or less, only emerging victorious against Gold Coast in Round 11. 

The result could have ballooned out early if not for Brisbane's yips, and although presented with chances to extend their lead through numerous repeat entries, the Saints scrapped hard to keep in touch with their opposition.

Debutant Tom Fullarton got the Lions roaring after back-to-back efforts to add to the Lions' run in the third, but when Steele drew the margin to 10 points in the twilight stages of term, the tide began to ever-so-slightly turn.

St Kilda looked particularly dangerous when motoring up the middle, and propelled forward by Jack Sinclair in the last term (four intercepts, three inside-50s), put the unflappable Lions' backline under duress.

A high-flyer from Max King looked to edge the Saints closer, as did hurried shots from Tim Membrey and Zak Jones as the time dwindled down.

But despite throwing everything against the home side in the high-octane conclusion, Brisbane had done just enough to hold on in the nail-biting finish.

St Kilda will play its first game for Premiership points in the Northern Territory next Saturday night against Melbourne, while Brisbane will have its allocated bye before tackling Collingwood at the Gabba for Round 15.

BRISBANE  2.5  3.6  6.13  6.14 (50)
ST KILDA  1.0  3.2  6.3  7.6 (48)

GOALS
Brisbane: J. Berry 2, McCarthy, Cameron, Bailey, Fullarton
St Kilda: Butler 2, Membrey, Kent, Marshall, Steele, Billings

BEST
Brisbane: Andrews, Berry, McCluggage, Hipwood, Zorko, Starcevich
St Kilda: Steele, Ryder, Coffield, Jones, Ross, Membrey, Marshall, Sinclair