Sydney has hung on against a dogged and inaccurate St Kilda, winning by nine points at the SCG.

Jack Higgins (23 disposals, 12 marks) tried his heart out throughout the game, but missed three late shots in front of goal to finish with 1.6 in the 13.14 (92) to 12.11 (83) loss on Saturday.

SAINTS MATCH CENTRE: View all news, stats and videos from Round 12

After a fairly congested start, Sydney hit its stride halfway through the first quarter, piling on four quick goals as the Saints looked on rather helplessly.

Higgins' strong running was rewarded with a goal, before setting up Max King in the goal-square before the stroke of quarter-time.

The Saints' renewed pressure in attack after the first break saw them briefly take the lead, until Lance Franklin stamped his considerable authority on the game with a few physical contests and a goal.

Momentum see-sawed between the two teams in the third term, the lead changing four times before Luke Parker converted a vital set shot on the eve of three-quarter time, taking the margin to 10 points.

Round 12 v Sydney
  • 01:00

    RD12 | 'A heartbreaking loss': Crouch after Round 12 loss

    Brad Couch spoke to STK Media following our Round 12 loss to Sydney

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  • 01:59

    RD12 | Dare Coach's Message

    Senior Coach Brett Ratten's message to fans following our Round 12 loss against Sydney

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  • 07:46

    RD12 | Highlights v Sydney

    The Swans and Saints clash in round 12

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  • 00:42

    RD12 | Membrey snaps a beauty to put the Saints in front

    At a pivotal moment in the third quarter, Tim Membrey kicks a ripper to put the Saints in front

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  • 00:37

    RD12 | Butler sneaks through and crumbs to perfection

    Dan Butler does the small forward work to help St Kilda to a good start

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  • 00:37

    RD12 | Max makes his statement on the siren

    Max King proves his talent with an absolute clanger in the dying seconds of the first term

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  • 00:47

    RD12 | Wood's bouncing snap gives Saints perfect start

    Mason Wood nails an early major with this pocket shot

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Co-captain Josh Kennedy's goal out of a stoppage halfway through the fourth looked to be the final blow, but the Saints kept coming and had the chance to take the lead in the dying stages only for Higgins to miss two set shots before James Rowbottom sealed the result.

Sydney second-gamer Joel Amartey showed a strong pair of hands and some strong running, rotating between key forward and second ruck, while Jake Lloyd, Callum Mills and Tom McCartin were settled and controlled in defence.

After being held to just six disposals by North Melbourne's Bailey Scott last week, Bradley Hill ran with freedom off half-back, creating plenty with his 18 touches to half-time (at 100 per cent efficiency). Hill finished with 25 for the game.

St Kilda recruit Mason Wood was subbed off at quarter-time with a hamstring injury, while Jarryn Geary was forced down to the rooms with a right hand injury late in the game.

SYDNEY     4.6     6.7     10.11     13.14   (92)
ST KILDA     3.4     5.7     9.7     12.11   (83)

GOALS  
Sydney: Hayward 3, Franklin 2, McDonald 2, Heeney 2, Papley, Parker, Kennedy, Rowbottom
St Kilda: Membrey 2, Byrnes 2, Wood, Higgins, King, Steele, Butler, Ross, Billings, Battle

BEST  
Sydney: Parker, Rampe, Hickey, Heeney, Lloyd, McCartin
St Kilda: Steele, Higgins, Membrey, Crouch, Hill, Sinclair, Ryder

INJURIES  
Sydney: Nil
St Kilda: Wood (hamstring), Geary (shoulder)

SUBSTITUTES  
Sydney: Bell (unused)
St Kilda: Highmore (replaced Wood)

AFL | Round 12 v Sydney - Sir Doug Nicholls Round

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