St Kilda pulled off an all-important come-from-behind victory against a hot Richmond side at Norwood Oval.
On a perfect day for footy in South Australia, the Saints pulled back from 22 points behind at the half-time break to roll the Tigers 9.13 (67) to 9.6 (60) in what may prove to be an eight pointer in the back end of 2024.
It was a hot start for the Tigers, keeping the Saints without a goal until just 30 seconds before half-time, however unable to put significant scoreboard pressure on the other end without key forwards Tom Lynch and Noah Balta.
Adem Yze got the game plan absolutely spot on in the first half, playing a high-pressure brand, working the handball game in tight areas while spreading the narrow Norwood Oval to perfection.
Shai Bolton was at his electric best, finding the footy all over the park and doing some intense damage in both the front and back half of the ground, while Dustin Martin’s return was nothing short of a vintage Dusty performance.
The Saints were a little too slow in transition early, allowing the Tiges to flood back and intercept far too easily, but trust Ross Lyon to alter the game after the break. Despite their inaccuracy, St Kilda dominated ground ball gets and contested touches to pull back the margin early in the third and take the lead heading into the final term.
Jack Steele was vital in the middle of the park throughout the Saints comeback, while Bradley Hill, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Riley Bonner played strong games across the back half.
We graded every individual player in the penultimate Gather Round matchup for 2024.
Richmond
Shai Bolton: A+
A scintillating performance from Bolton. Efforts all over the ground, so dangerous with the ball in hand and highly effective in the forward half.
Toby Nankervis: A
Arguably the Tigers’ most important player today. Got the better of Rowan Marshall, took plenty of important grabs in the back 50, won the hit-outs and covered the ground well.
Dustin Martin: A
Incredibly strong on return. 18 first half disposals, did not look a second off the pace. Less impact late on, you'd expect his game fitness to build.
Jack Ross: B+
Led the Tigers in clearances, did some dirty work in the back half. Solid game.
Tim Taranto: B
Played a decent game through the middle.
Jayden Short: B-
Led the game in metres gained, was dangerous by foot as per usual.
Maurice Rioli: B
First goal of the game to get the Tiges' going, a few big tackles and a fourth quarter snag to turn the tide against momentum. The barometer for the Tigers.
Tom Brown: B-
Continues to put forward a case as one of the better kicks in the competition after just four games. The Tigers may have a gem on their hands.
Nick Vlaustin: C+
Relatively quiet, impacted when needed.
Jack Graham: C+
Mykelti Lefau: C+
A few good moments.
Nathan Broad: C+
Thomson Dow: C+
Rolled his ankle in the first term, seemed to carry it throughout before being subbed at 3QT.
Tyler Sonsie: C+
Kicked an important goal in the fourth. Had moments, looks lively at times.
Daniel Rioli: C+
Relatively average by his standards. Stronger late on.
Marlion Pickett: C
Rhyan Mansell: C
Started well but unable to remain in the game.
Tylar Young: C
Seth Campbell: C
Jacob Koschitzke: C
Yet to impress in the Tigers colours.
Ben Miller: C
Kamdyn McIntosh: C-
Little impact, poor efficiency.
Kane McAuliffe: N/A
Started as the sub, came on for his debut late in the third and was hurt in the fourth.
St Kilda
Jack Steele: A+
A very strong game. Did the dirty work in the guts with 18 contested possessions and 10 tackles. Led the clearances for the Saints and was vital in their third quarter surge.
Josh Battle: A
Stood tall a number of times in a busy backline. Eight intercept possessions and over 400 metres gained.
Bradley Hill: A
Really important in swinging momentum in the third. Led St Kilda in metres gained with, a few missed chances but ultimately a very influential game from the veteran.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera: A-
Plenty of touch, looked to break the game open for the Saints, setting up their first goal from the back half. Limited run due to the narrow ground but made do through the corridor when possible.
Rowan Marshall: A-
Was dominated in the hit-out battle against Toby Nankervis but covered the ground really well. 23 disposals and five clearances for the ruckman to go with an important goal in the fourth.
Jack Higgins: B+
Kicked an all-important opening goal for the Saints, all-be-it just prior to the half-time siren. Pops up right when he's needed.
Jack Sinclair: B+
Had a lot of footy as per usual. Not a heap of impact but a really strong fourth term with 11 disposals.
Darcy Wilson: B
Arguably his best game in his young career. A lot to like from the highly-touted recruit. Massive defensive efforts late in the contest.
Riley Bonner: B
Plenty of uncontested footy, limited the turnovers and great usage with the ball in hand. Cleaned up a few times in the back 50 and kicked a sealer late on.
Sebastian Ross: B
Callum Wilkie: B
Didn’t have a set key forward to man which provided more freedom for the All-Australian. Some important moments but all things considered, a relatively quiet day.
Max King: B-
Had opportunities early but couldn’t capitalise, dropped a sitter but kicked a miracle goal. Led the game in score involvements, but not quite the ideal return for the big man.
Mattaes Phillipou: B-
Growing in confidence every week.
Cooper Sharman: B-
A few exciting moments.
Tim Membrey: C+
Zaine Cordy: C+
Perfect efficiency from his 15 touches.
Ryan Byrnes: C+
Liam Stocker: C+
Cleaned up deep in the back line a few times late on.
Mitch Owens: C
Zak Jones: C
Subbed out in the fourth.
Dan Butler: C
Anthony Caminiti: D+
Kicked a goal, that's about it.
Angus Hastie: N/A
Came on as the substitute late in the fourth.
The Saints will look to carry this performance into a tough matchup against an unbeaten GWS side, while the Tigers should return to the winners list against the Eagles.