CHRISTIAN Petracca should ask for a seat in business class on Melbourne's trip back to Queensland on Saturday night. 

And after the star Demon's heroics in his side's three-point win over St Kilda, he would deserve it.

>> WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

The Saints and Demons flew to the Northern Territory together on Saturday ahead of their clash at Traeger Park and will return on the same flight as well post-game, although the Melbourne side of the plane will be far more joyous after the Dees' three-point win.

02:52

Watch the last two minutes: Melb v StK

Enjoy the thrilling final moments of a game that had massive implications for the finals race

Petracca should be front of the plane. He was the most important player on the ground in the 8.4 (52) to 7.7 (49) win, booting four goals from 15 disposals including the match-winning snap in the last term.

01:50

Another stunning outing for Melbourne's Brownlow fancy

Christian Petracca hauled the Demons over the line and kept their finals hopes alive with a terrific display

The dynamic Demon proved his evolution into one of the competition's best midfielders hadn't come at the cost of his forward craft, as he booted two opening-term goals and finished with an equal career-high from 15 disposals. 

DEMONS BACK ON TRAC Full match coverage and stats 

His final was awarded after his snap was checked by the AFL's Review Centre after being touched close to the line, with the goal umpire's original call that it was a goal unable to be overturned due to a lack of certainty. 

'IT IS WHAT IT IS' Ratten refuses to blame controversial call

01:32

Astounding clutch goal from powerhouse Petracca

Enormous strength from Christian Petracca and then he somehow puts it through

The Demons gave themselves an early buffer when they kicked four goals to one in the first term and held a 21-point lead midway through the second quarter before the Saints hit back to trail by just three points at the final change. 

But in a tough, competitive slog the Demons hung on in an important victory as they chase a return to the finals. 

00:42

Dees get out the back and 'Weid' strikes

In a clash with huge implications for finals, Sam Weideman lands an important blow

May shows the way
The performance of Steven May in Melbourne's back half was crucial to the Demons' win. The former Gold Coast co-captain organised the Demons' defence and was also able to add an attacking streak to his output, gathering a season-high 22 disposals as well as six rebound 50s. Add to that his ability to shut down Saints key youngster Max King (three touches), and May produced one of his best games for the club. 

Steven May (right) was all over Max King. Picture: Getty Images via AFL Photos

Steele's deal gets juicier
The Saints are keen to sign Jack Steele to a new contract, and he wants to be a long-term player at the club. But his value continues to rise with every game he plays. The St Kilda midfielder was again among the best players on the ground in the Saints' impressive comeback, picking up 26 disposals, a goal and eight clearances. Steele looks a runaway leader of the club's best and fairest and has polled in 10 games for the coaches' association award this season, and should add to that tally for his efforts against the Dees.

00:57

Saints snag two crucial goals late in second term

Jack Steele and Rowan Marshall deliver to give St Kilda the momentum at the end of the first half

Ladder gets tighter after nail-biter
This was a massive result for the Demons’ finals hopes. It put them back inside the top eight with four very winnable games to come against Sydney, Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney and Essendon to finish their season. A return to the finals rests well and truly in the Demons’ own hands. The Saints, meanwhile, are on shaky ground. They are a win ahead of Melbourne but have played one more game, with only three more matches to play.  

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 05:48

    Ratten on goal review: 'Howard thought he touched the ball'

    St Kilda coach Brett Ratten rued his side's inability to take its chances in a tight loss to Melbourne

    AFL
  • 06:42

    Goodwin on May: 'One of the best backs in the comp'

    Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin was delighted the Demons took the scalp of 'a really good side'

    AFL
  • 07:14

    Highlights: Melbourne v St Kilda

    The Demons and Saints clash in round 14

    AFL
  • 01:50

    Another stunning outing for Melbourne's Brownlow fancy

    Christian Petracca hauled the Demons over the line and kept their finals hopes alive with a terrific display

    AFL
  • 01:32

    Astounding clutch goal from powerhouse Petracca

    Enormous strength from Christian Petracca and then he somehow puts it through

    AFL
  • 00:27

    Tremendous courage from Dees recruit

    Mitch Brown never took his eyes off the ball in this marking attempt and wore a heavy hit

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Dees get out the back and 'Weid' strikes

    In a clash with huge implications for finals, Sam Weideman lands an important blow

    AFL
  • 00:24

    The Butler can do it in the air as well

    Normally Dan Butler thrives at ground level but he flies to take a great mark here

    AFL
  • 00:57

    Saints snag two crucial goals late in second term

    Jack Steele and Rowan Marshall deliver to give St Kilda the momentum at the end of the first half

    AFL
  • 00:38

    A goal fit for a King

    Saints spearhead Max King connects perfectly with this set shot

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Monster roost as 'Trac' launches from downtown

    Christian Petracca shows off a prolific right boot to get Melbourne on the board

    AFL

MELBOURNE     4.0     5.1     7.3     8.4     (52)
ST KILDA           1.3     4.5     6.6     7.7     (49)

GOALS
Melbourne: Petracca 4, Weideman 2, Brown, Gawn
St Kilda: Battle, King, Marshall, Membrey, Phillips, Ryder, Steele 

BEST
Melbourne: May, Petracca, Gawn, Oliver, Langdon, Rivers
St Kilda: Steele, Hill, Jones, Coffield, Wilkie

INJURIES
Melbourne: Hibberd (right ankle)
St Kilda: Nil

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