Saint Kilda reach Grand Final
Saint Kilda have reached the Grand Final after beating the Western Bulldogs by 13.10 (88) to 8.16 (64) at the MCG. The win means Saint Kilda will face Melbourne rivals Collingwood in the final in what will be a huge occasion for both clubs.
The Bulldogs started the match impressively and built up a lead by scoring three goals in the first quarter. Saint Kilda took time to assert their superiority and wasted a number of goal opportunities.
In the second quarter Saint Kilda upped the tempo and went in only a goal behind at half time. Tom Williams had man marked the Saints captain Nick Riewoldt very well up until half time. However, as the third quarter commenced Riewoldt came more and more
into the game and began to run the match. Riewoldt’s dominance saw him score three goals and create numerous chances for those around him.
The Bulldogs couldn’t cope with the Saints third quarter blitz who built up a commanding 10.10 to 5.9 scoreline. The strength and speed of the Saints allowed them to dominate the quarter with the midfield and forwards scoring at ease. Zac Dawson had a fantastic
game and limited the hugely influential Barry Hall. Callum Ward, Matthew Boyd and Daniel Cross were the few players that played well for the Bulldogs who couldn’t score enough goals as the match progressed. In the final quarter, the Bulldogs rallied and managed
to score 3 more goals, but they could not close the lead that Saint Kilda had built up. Leigh Montagna made 33 disposals while Lenny Hayes and James Gwilt made 26 and 24 respectively. This dominance laid the foundation for a Saint Kilda victory. The match
finished with the Saints winning by 24 points.
However, the win came at a price. Nick Dal Santo picked up a hamstring injury while Jason Gram injured his groin. Both players finished the game, but were hindered by their injuries and may be doubtful for the final. Saint Kilda coach Ross Lyon was particularly
pleased with the third quarter saying that “as the scoreboard pressure built, I thought it cracked wide open.” Rodney Eade was pleased with the performance from his side, especially as a number of first team players were injured. He said, “We’re back to where
we were the last couple of years. We haven’t fallen away and we’ve had more hurdles to overcome this year.”
Saint Kilda will now turn their attention to Collingwood who have been the form side in the AFL.
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