St Kilda has snatched a thrilling five-point win over an injury-hit Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium.
Down for most of the day, the Saints were the dominant force throughout the final quarter, and it took them until the last five minutes to hit the front in what was a hard-fought contest.
It means Alan Richardson’s side now sit 3-1 and inside the top eight after four rounds.
The Saints improve to 3-1 👏👏👏#AFLSaintsHawks pic.twitter.com/cUJOcDFZfE
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 14, 2019
For the Hawks, the defeat was compounded further by the injury to James Frawley and the concussion to skipper Ben Stratton.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Lonie free kick puts Saints in front
Jack Lonie was awarded a controversial free kick right in front of goal deep in the final quarter.
The Hawthorn player failed to release the ball from the scrimmage was pinned holding the ball by the umpire.
Lonie went back and coolly converted what turned out to be the match-winning goal.
LONIE GOALS #AFLSaintsHawks pic.twitter.com/eYn5GO5s5W
— AFL (@AFL) April 14, 2019
The Star: Seb Ross
It was a huge afternoon at the office for St Kilda midfielder Seb Ross.
Ross’ numbers were stunning, accumulating a game-high 39 disposals, six clearances, three defensive rebounds, four tackles, six inside 50s and a goal
He was ably supported by the much-improved Jack Billings (34 disposals) to help the Saints dominate the clearance count and finish the stronger of the two clubs.
Medical room: Frawley, Stratton add to Hawks injury crisis
Hawthorn’s injury woes have deepened with Frawley (hamstring) and Stratton (concussion) both in major doubt for next week.
The former Demon was seen with ice strapped to his hamstring towards the end of the second quarter and took no further part in the contest.
In addition to Frawley, Ben Stratton (concussion) also out for the game. #AFLSaintsHawks https://t.co/sksIpOsp8q
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 14, 2019
The Hawks captain also sat out a portion of the match and will be assessed to see whether he will available for the clash with the Geelong.
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What’s next?
St Kilda take on Melbourne at the MCG in a twilight fixture next Saturday. Hawthorn face the Cats in a tantalising Easter Monday blockbuster at the MCG.
Full Score
St Kilda: 3.2, 5.5, 8.9, 10.14.74
Hawthorn: 3.2, 6.5, 10.8, 10.6.69
GOALS
St Kilda: Lonie 3, Long 2, Acres, Ross, Newnes, Bruce, Marshall
Hawthorn: Henderson 2, Scully 2, Roughead 2, Nash, Puopolo, Breust, Wingard
BEST
St Kilda Ross, Billings, Savage, Steele, Acres, Gresham, Wilkie, Newnes
Hawthorn Sicily, Scully, Henderson, Worpel, Cousins
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Frawley (hamstring), Stratton (concussion), McKenzie (concussion)
