Both sides made numerous mistakes in slippery conditions but it was the Saints who stood up when it mattered most, kicking four goals in the last quarter to Brisbane’s two to secure the four points.
Brisbane had several chances to kick the Saints out of the contest in the third but failed to make the most of their opportunities and led by only five at the last change, despite having eight more inside 50s than St Kilda in the third term.
Adam Schneider and Jack Steven were the fourth-quarter heroes for the Saints, kicking crucial goals to give the Saints a lead they would not relinquish.
Nick Dal Santo converted from a free kick to give the Saints their biggest lead of the game although late goals to Mitch Clark and Tom Rockliff kept the Lions in the hunt.
For the Lions, Rockliff and Jed Adcock were among their best, while Daniel Merrett, playing on Justin Koschitzke, continually repelled the Saints attack.
Clark stood up as a key forward for the Lions, kicking four goals, while Matthew Leuenberger also spent time in the goalsquare.
The Lions were forced to activate substitute Aaron Cornelius early after Rohan Bewick appeared to injure his back.
Influential players
Adam Schneider kicked two crucial goals in the last term, while Leigh Montagna had 33 disposals to lead the Saints. For the Lions, Daniel Merrett was everywhere in defence, and Mitch Clark and Matthew Leuenberger were a force up forward. Jed Adcock had 27 touches for Brisbane.
What it means
The Saints finally get their season rolling, although it was a less than convincing way to do it. Their next four matches are vital for them to stay in touch with the top eight. The winless Lions once again rue the injury to Jonathan Brown, who could have been the difference in this match had he been available. He returns to the side in Round 9.
The next four
Brisbane Lions: Richmond, Gold Coast, Essendon, North Melbourne
St Kilda: Adelaide, Carlton, Hawthorn, Melbourne
Dream Team highlight
Brisbane Lions: Jack Redden (138 points) was the Lions standout player, winning the ball around the ground and kicking two goals. With 88 points, Daniel Merrett was also a handy addition to the backline.
St Kilda: Leigh Montagna (126 points) led the Saints in both possessions and Dream Team score, although Adam Schneider’s late goals netted him 117 points.
Winning move
The Saints, having withstood everything the Lions threw at them, started to attack the corridor during the last quarter. The direct style of football worked with St Kilda’s small forwards giving the Saints the lead.
Turning point
Two fourth quarter Adam Schneider goals put the Saints back in front but it was a free kick to Nick Dal Santo that saw Brisbane’s collective shoulders finally drop. Dal Santo was awarded the free after a push and shove with Andrew Raines and the resultant goal was enough for St Kilda to fall over the line.
MATCH DETAILS
Brisbane 4.4 5.6 9.9 11.10 (76)
St Kilda 5.2 6.4 9.4 13.11 (89)
GOALS
Brisbane: Clark 4, Redden 2, Polkinghorne, Polec, Adcock, Power, Rockliff
St Kilda: Schneider 3, Milne 2, Gram 2, Steven 2, Ray, Goddard, Riewoldt, Dal Santo
BEST
Brisbane: Adcock, Leuenberger, Rockliff, Merrett, Redden, Clark
St Kilda: Montagna, Goddard, Schneider, Gram, Steven, Riewoldt
INJURIES
Brisbane: Bewick (back)
St Kilda: nil
SUBSTITUTES
Brisbane: Bewick substituted for Cornelius
St Kilda: Stanley substituted for McQualter
REPORTS: nil
UMPIRES: Donlon, Kamolins, Jeffery
Official crowd: 22,520
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the clubs or the AFL
