1. Kosi's lament
As he nears the end of a 13-year career with St Kilda, Justin Koschitzke took time to reflect when interviewed on Triple M radio before the match. The 30-year-old, who needs just one more appearance to reach 200, admitted the pressure and professionalism of the modern game had sapped it of enjoyment. "I can't remember the last time I ran out and enjoyed playing a game of footy," he said. "I would have loved to have played 10 or 20 years ago when you could go and have a few beers [after the game] and not have to worry about it until Tuesday." Koschitzke said he would not play in Sydney next week, but was hopeful coach Scott Watters would grant him his milestone in the final two rounds. "He's said he'd like me to get there – he's not that bad a bloke," he said.
2. Roughead's Coleman chase
With Hawthorn star Lance Franklin missing with hamstring soreness, Jarryd Roughead loomed as the main problem for the undermanned St Kilda defence, and the 26-year-old didn't miss his chance to put some pressure on Coleman Medal rival Josh Kennedy at Etihad Stadium on Friday night. Roughead booted five goals in a strong display, taking his tally for the season to 59 and moving him level with the big Eagle, who will look to move back ahead against Essendon on Sunday at the same venue.
3. Fev's 'Roo' slap
St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt displayed his typical work-rate up and down the ground, running himself to exhaustion as he took nine marks and gathered 21 disposals. But that wasn't enough to impress former Carlton and Brisbane Lions spearhead Brendan Fevola, who was watching from home. In response to Seven Network commentator Leigh Matthews' praise of Riewoldt's performance, Fevola tweeted: "How can Matthews say Riewoldt has earned his keep because he had 20 touches? Please. His job is to kick snags, can't do it. Love 'Roo', but please." Riewoldt finished with 1.3.
4. Flat Friday
What do you get when you cross a cold Melbourne night, a clash between top and 16th on the ladder, and Ashes cricket on TV? A small and distinctly subdued Friday night crowd. The 24,765 who turned out to watch the Saints and Hawks was the lowest attendance for a clash between the two teams in Melbourne since round 22, 2001. And the spectacle did justice to the atmosphere, with Hawthorn never really getting going and St Kilda not providing a reason to make them. All in all, the evening provided a good argument for shortening the season.
5. Bring back the big guns?
Some lesser-known Hawks got a chance to shine on Friday night, but Alastair Clarkson could have up to four big guns back for next week's clash with Collingwood. The coach said Lance Franklin (hamstring) and Max Bailey (knee soreness) were likely to return, with Luke Hodge (thumb) and Grant Birchall (knee) also a chance. And Clarkson doused concern over Jack Gunston, after the forward finished his 50th AFL game in the red vest with ice on his left quad. He said Gunston was "no worries" and was substituted out only because of his heavy workload throughout the season.
