Was good early, keeping Sam Gilbert honest and booting a second-term goal to give his side further impetus. Like his team, faded after the break ... broken ribs can do that to people. No-one can question his commitment.
Matthew Boyd - 6
As always, Boyd put his body in those places most of us wouldn’t and won a lot of the ball. But he also turned it over more than usual, including an awful handball in the second quarter that gifted Adam Schneider a goal. Still among his side’s best.
Daniel Cross - 7
Was opposed to Nick Dal Santo early and was making a decent fist of that before continuing to roll through the midfield match-ups. Threw his body in until the final minutes despite the game being dusted, and finished with 22 touches.
Nathan Eagleton - 3
Lacked his usual zip and missed some targets in what was likely to be his final game of AFL footy. A disappointing farewell for the veteran.
Daniel Giansiracusa - 3
Had just three disposals at the main break. Did lift a little and kicked a late goal but the Dogs needed more from one of their most experienced stars. Credit to Sean Dempster, though.
Lindsay Gilbee - 5
Gilbee started in attack and spent most of the night there. He was rarely able to find the space to use his sublime kicking skills, however, with the Saints flooding numbers back. Did kick a nice goal in the third quarter.
Jarrad Grant - 5
Kicked a terrific goal in the first term after running from half-back to get on the end of it, but despite his big engine his slight frame struggled against the might of the Saints’ defence.
Ryan Griffen - 6
Griffen ended up among his team’s chief ballwinners but his effectiveness was thwarted by Clint Jones. He had five inside 50s although the Saints were quick to shut down his space.
Mitch Hahn - 5
The late call-up for Andrew Hooper started brightly and looked as though coach Rodney Eade’s decision might prove a masterstroke. Booted the game’s first and last goals, but in between some of his kicking had Dogs fans closing their eyes.
Barry Hall - 3
Barry really never had a chance. While beaten by Zac Dawson, he was surrounded by Saints at times and the ball never came in quickly in a one-on-one situation. He did manage a late goal and should have done better from his four shots at the sticks.
Jarrod Harbrow - 7
Provided run, won contests and was elusive from the back and through the middle. Like Gary Ablett the previous evening, attention will now turn to whether the Gold Coast target has played his last match for the Dogs.
Ryan Hargrave - 6
Spent his night on a variety of St Kilda’s small forwards and did pretty well in his duels. Was seen in the vicinity of Brett Peake when he booted his third-term goal, but racked up 24 touches and tried hard.
Ben Hudson - 4
Not one of Huddo’s best nights. He’s not a centre-bounce specialist but is usually able to assert himself around the stoppages more. The Saints did a good job nullifying him after a long year for the reliable Bulldog.
Brad Johnson - 4
Johnno looked lively early before fading as the Saints got on top. However, his 364th AFL match will be remembered as the night he bowed out. He was given a fitting farewell, chaired off by teammates through a guard of honour by both teams.
Brian Lake - 6
Lake absolutely dominated across the Dogs’ full-back line in the first half, but the storm was coming. Kosi booted a couple on him and the wounded Dog, who has been battling injury for weeks, finished the night on the pine.
Will Minson - 3
Big Will had more hit-outs than any other ruckman, helping his side break even in the clearances. But he was unable to get his hands on the footy or do anything really constructive.
Dale Morris - 5
Started on Stephen Milne and when Tom Williams got too sore and was being beaten up, went to the champ Nick Riewoldt. Did okay but wins massive points purely for returning after breaking his back a month ago. Chuck Norris was seen applauding his toughness from the MCG stands.
Robert Murphy - 4
Another one orthopaedic surgeons are eagerly eyeing. Started in defence and was shifted between roles after injuring his troublesome knee. Had minimal impact.
Liam Picken - 7
Ran with Brendon Goddard and did a great job early before the bigger fish stamped his authority. But Picken’s toughness inspired his team. He also kicked a great goal late in the first term.
Callan Ward - 9
Super game from the emerging star, who is only just getting going after injury ruined his start to 2010. Finished with 30 touches including 17 contested (more than anyone on the ground) and eight clearances.
Tom Williams - 4
Went into the match sore and then went head-to-head with Riewoldt. That was going to end badly. Was good early and fought bravely, but class prevailed with Riewoldt proving the matchwinner.
Easton Wood - 5
Like Addison, played the second half with broken ribs - perhaps a result of the big hit he laid on Justin Koschitzke early in the second term. Played on a number of St Kilda small forwards and did okay.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
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