1. Thanks for the Membrey
A question mark over St Kilda leading into Sunday's game against Carlton was always going to be whether it had enough firepower up forward. With Nick Riewoldt and Paddy McCartin both sidelined through injury, Tim Membrey stepped up and gave the Saints the considerable boost they needed. The mid-sized forward booted five goals (three in the first half), with his pure set-shot kicking and athletic ability in marking contests there for all to see. He also had 17 disposals and 10 marks to be the most damaging forward on the ground. Membrey has booted 15.4 from set-shots this season and has flourished when given the opportunity in attack. The 22-year-old has proven to be a more than handy pick up from the Sydney Swans after signing as a delisted free agent at the Saints.
2. Etihad packed to the rafters
Was it the Carlton-on-the-rise effect? Or was it hopeful Saints fans giving their side a chance to take home their fifth win of the season? Whatever it was, they came in their droves to Etihad Stadium on Sunday and it was a splendid sight to see. Such was the demand, there were thousands of fans outside the ground waiting to get into the venue 20 minutes into the second quarter. Etihad Stadium management clearly did not anticipate the sizeable crowd figure and tweeted an apology to fans for making them wait. The 47,945 crowd added to the atmosphere as the Saints powered away from a tired-looking Blues in the second half.
3. Pierce takes his chance
St Kilda ruckman Lewis Pierce waited three and half seasons to make his debut, so when it came to his first kick in AFL footy it was always going to be a memorable one. But it was particularly notable with the 21-year-old kicking his first goal for the Saints with his first kick in the big time. The manner in which it came was also impressive, with the big man quick to get his boot to ball in front of a lunging Dale Thomas. Pierce's teammates were quick to mob the big man and it was a great moment in the game. Pierce, selected with pick No.75 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, finished the game with six disposals and 10 hit-outs. However, he and Tom Hickey took points against Matthew Kreuzer.
4. Carlton still on track despite Blue day
It was a disappointing afternoon for Carlton, which failed to take the chance to keep pace with the top eight. But with a win-loss record of 6-6 heading into next week's bye, the Blues can be content with what they have produced in the first half of the season. Brendon Bolton's coaching style has clearly made a significant impact on the club, with the Blues' young players rising to another level and many of the club's existing players getting a new lease on life. Carlton may have lost by 32 points against St Kilda but it remains just a game outside the eight and on the right path in its bid to return to the finals in years to come.
5. The Wright way
Former Crow Matthew Wright led the way on a disappointing day for Carlton. The former Crow played his best game for his new club, collecting 25 disposals and kicking two goals. Wright, picked up as a delisted free agent at the end of last season, adds experience and a touch of class to a young Carlton line-up. Wright, 26, proved in his five seasons at Adelaide that he could play some good football. Carlton might be the club at which he can reignite his AFL career.
