No-one really saw it coming, but come the Saints did. St Kilda booted 11 goals to the Power's four in an inspired second half and in the process erased a 47-point deficit to hit the lead halfway through the final term. The Saints managed to wrestle back control at the clearances and their intensity around the ball lifted to a new level. Their ball movement gained some fluidity and their forwards began to get first use, led by the old brigade of Leigh Montagna (35 touches), Nick Dal Santo (33) and the emerging Jack Steven (25 and three goals). But their efforts fell just short, with the Power holding on to a nail-biting five-point win.
"It shows we've got a group that's got a lot of character, and does have a lot of resilience," Saints coach Scott Watters said.
"They're good honest fighters."
2. Roberton off the planet
The AFL has had a strong stance on players who are showing concussion-like symptoms this season. So when Dylan Roberton was flattened by the Power's Tom Jonas in the second-quarter, it would be assumed the proper processes were followed. However, an obviously groggy Roberton gave an interview with Channel 7 at half-time and appeared clearly unaware of his surroundings. The Saints subbed him off after half-time, but the question remains: was the concussion test enacted straight after he was floored?
3. Wingard as good as advertised
Port Adelaide youngster Chad Wingard has earned a lot of admirers in what has become his breakout season in 2013. A few recruiters raised a few eyebrows when Wingard slipped to the Power's pick No. 6 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft and it's not hard to understand why. The 19-year-old was polished, disciplined and exciting as he collected 18 touches and kicked two goals. Many observers believe Wingard is well on the way to his first All Australian selection – most likely the first of many.
4. The Saints' interchange blunder
You would forgive the interchange steward for being a little shy when thinking about pulling out the orange flag given the blunder in the Geelong-Hawthorn clash a couple of weeks ago. But he was right on the spot to make the call against the Saints. When Leigh Montagna came off the ground in the final term, there was some indecision over whether Josh Saunders or Lenny Hayes should replace him. That resulted in both players coming on to the ground, meaning the Saints had 19 men on the field. Luckily for them, Chad Wingard missed his shot at goal after receiving the resultant 50m penalty.
5. Westhoff to the rescue
Port Adelaide's Justin Westhoff was a notable absentee through suspension for the Power last week, but he repaid his team in fine style against the Saints. Westhoff is an extremely important player in the Power's structure. But he took two pivotal match-saving marks under all sorts of pressure. It capped off an impressive game, in which he gathered 17 disposals and took six marks.
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
