Steven Baker - 4
Came into the side at the expense of ruckman Ben McEvoy. Had the better of Leon Davis in the first half, which probably isn't saying much given the Magpie's poor record in September, but didn't have a major influence on the game otherwise.

Jason Blake - 5
Spent some time in the ruck in the second half after Michael Gardiner went off injured. An unassuming but valuable member of the St Kilda backline that defended 62 inside 50s.

Nick Dal Santo - 6
A relatively quiet game for the midfielder, who was under an injury cloud during the week. Notched up 18 possessions and nine clearances, but also spent some time up forward, which was maybe a reflection of his fitness.

Zac Dawson - 7
A solid game from the maligned defender. Kept Travis Cloke to one goal in the first half and lowered the colours of Chris Dawes in the second. Also laid a solid bump on Alan Didak early in the second term to help set the tone for the game.

Sean Dempster - 6
Got on top of the dangerous Didak before tweaking his ankle just before half time. Conceded a goal to Davis in the final term, but had a reasonable day all.

Robert Eddy - 2
Finished with three kicks from 10 disposals and had little to no influence on the game. Will be interesting to see if he holds his place for the replay.

Sam Fisher - 8
Helped keep St Kilda in the game during the first half. Burned the ball a bit, but offered plenty of run from defence to finish with 25 possessions and 12 rebound 50s.

Michael Gardiner - 2
Had four possessions and 10 hit-outs before suffering a suspected hamstring injury in the second quarter. Didn't return after half time, which could mean an opportunity for McEvoy next week.

Sam Gilbert - 6
Combined well with Fisher to repel numerous Collingwood attacks in the first half. Was moved forward in the second half and kicked an important goal to reduce the margin to seven points late in the third term.

Brendon Goddard - 9
Finished a close second to Lenny Hayes in the Norm Smith Medal voting. Battled hard for four quarters and amassed 32 possessions in a dominant and consistent display. Took two ripper marks in the second half and kicked goals from both to help drag St Kilda back into the game.

Jason Gram - 2
Another player under an injury cloud during the week. Finished with just 11 touches and lacked his usual run and carry.

James Gwilt - 6
Helped Dawson nullify the influence of Cloke and Dawes. Competed well and finished with 22 possessions.

Lenny Hayes - 9
A worthy winner of the Norm Smith Medal. The courageous veteran finished with a game-high 32 possessions, 12 tackles and seven clearances. Inspired St Kilda with his trademark in-and-under style and kicked a crucial long goal to slash the deficit to single digits midway through the final term.

Clinton Jones - 6
Kept Collingwood match-winner Dane Swan to a respectable 13 possessions in the first half, before being switched into a more attacking midfield role in the second half. Finished the game with 19 disposals and nine tackles.

Justin Koschitzke - 6
Took a strong mark and kicked a goal in the first half before being switched into the ruck to cover the absence of Gardiner. Held his own against Jolly and picked up 11 possessions and 10 hit-outs.

Andrew McQualter - 3
Laid 10 tackles, but was unsighted for the most part. Finished with just seven possessions and could face a nervous wait ahead of selection this week.

Stephen Milne - 6
Went missing in patches, but kicked two goals. Had the better of the in-form Harry O'Brien.

Leigh Montagna - 7
Solid without being spectacular. Notched up 23 possessions (10 contested) against a range of opponents. Also laid 11 tackles and gathered an equal-team high seven clearances.

Brett Peake - 5
Was involved in a number of important plays, including a desperate save on the goal line in the last quarter. Had eight disposals but some influence.

Farren Ray - 2
Wanted the ground to swallow him up after giving away a 50m penalty and a resultant goal in the second term. Was made to earn his keep by shadowing Swan in the second, but was far from his best.

Nick Riewoldt - 6
Had an enthralling battle with Nathan Brown, but was probably beaten. Took a couple of typically courageous marks to still finish with 2.3.

Adam Schneider - 6
Worked hard for his 19 possessions, which included 11 contested. Kicked a goal against the tide in the first quarter and had a hand in two others. Lacked his usual x-factor.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL.