1. St Kilda scrapes through despite inaccuracy
For the second week in a row, the Saints did enough to post a victory despite playing scrappy football. After beating North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on the back of three successive losses, they returned to the indoor venue and did enough to beat the Suns. The victory put St Kilda into eighth spot but if it wants to beat Fremantle next Sunday at Domain Stadium, better accuracy in front of goal will likely be needed. Mav Weller (1.2), Josh Bruce (1.2), Jack Steven (0.4) and Jade Gresham (0.2) were wasteful, while Jack Newnes, Tim Membrey and Koby Stevens all should have done better when they had opportunities. An unexpected moment came in the final quarter when Nick Riewoldt was running into an open goal but was caught by Jack Leslie, before the Suns went down the other end and closed the margin to 13 through a Jarrod Witts goal. Wayward finishing has been an issue all season for this team and was a reason it lost last time it went to Western Australia, against West Coast in round two.

Full match coverage and stats

2. Billings is breaking out
Saints coach Alan Richardson said on Saturday talks on a new contract for Jack Billings are "fairly advanced" and there's no doubt that's brilliant news for the club. The No.3 selection from the 2013 NAB AFL Draft has showcased his talents this year with several very good games and he was best on ground in this one. At the main break he had 11 score involvements before finishing with 12, with seemingly every one of his kicks guided to perfection. Billings was one of the few St Kilda players who hit the target consistently, as shown by his goal on the run from just outside 50m and his pinpoint pass to Nick Riewoldt in the goalsquare. Then there was his work in contested situations, such as when his handball from a stoppage to Jack Sinclair set up a goal. The Saints can lack class at times but there aren't any issues when Billings has the ball.

WATCH Outstanding Billing's dynamic display

3. Another quiet one for Tom Lynch
Gold Coast came into this game missing some of its most experienced players. Gary Ablett was out with a calf concern while Michael Barlow (broken leg) and Matt Rosa (suspended) were others who were absent. It meant the Suns needed their star players to step up, but co-captain Lynch was again kept quiet. Last week it was Carlton stopper Liam Jones while Saints defender Nathan Brown was assigned the job on Sunday. Brown did his job well in keeping Lynch goalless and was well supported by his teammates, with St Kilda's pressure up the ground very impressive and the Saints backmen playing well as a collective. Lynch worked up the ground, as coach Rodney Eade called for during the week, but he wasn't able to find much of the footy in dangerous positions.

4. Harbrow continues an impressive season after returning from his ban
Jarrod Harbrow returned after a club-imposed suspension for drink-driving and continued the form that has seen him have arguably a career-best season. His accurate kicking from the back half was important while his dash and dare to take the game on helped drive the Suns forward. His presence would certainly have been useful in the Suns' 10-point loss against Carlton in round 13 and the former Western Bulldog will need to stay on the park if his side is any chance of making finals. It looks a very tough proposition at 5-8 but the Suns are hopeful their superstar Gary Ablett will return next Saturday to play his 300th game against North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium.

5. Jade takes a gem
In an uninspiring contest to conclude what was a thrilling round, there was little surprise that St Kilda forward Jade Gresham was the one to provide the most exciting moment of the game. A kick to the hot spot in the Saints' forward line saw Gresham needing to contend with three Suns, with key defender Jack Leslie seemingly in prime position to take possession. The 177cm livewire had other ideas, climbing on Leslie's back and taking a speccy that brought the crowd to its feet. It was an awesome grab from someone who usually does his best work at ground level. Unfortunately for Saints fans, he couldn't finish the job and missed a relatively simple set shot.