It was a game with many layers.
In truth, however, the game underlined two separate beliefs which not only collided but were confirmed in stunning fashion at Etihad Stadium on Sunday: Essendon is getting better and St Kilda is in decline.
That Essendon seems to have already whizzed past the Saints in such swift fashion was both the surprise and the story.
The Bombers have an excellent - and well-renowned - recent record against the Saints, but this game was different. It started as a shoot-out, with 13 goals kicked in the first term, but Essendon had the depth to its attack to sustain it. St Kilda did not.
Since taking over as senior coach and handpicking his panel of assistants, James Hird has preached improvement at the club. It's obvious that the preaching is not just a long-term goal. It's already a short-term success.
The improvement has come from within. David Zaharakis and Michael Hurley have developed, and both kicked three goals against the Saints. Ben Howlett and Heath Hocking continue to get better through the midfield, while Tom Bellchambers and Stewart Crameri have come into the side and not just filled holes - they've made them their own. Hird was especially impressed with the latter pair.
"Both those guys are a great credit to their pre-seasons. In my time in football, if you have a good pre-season it stands you in good stead for the season and both Tom and Stew worked really hard over the pre-season," Hird said.
"Stew has probably come from absolutely nowhere and Tommy’s been around a while, and though he still has a lot to learn, he’s showing some really good signs at the moment."
In the same way Hird was impressed - surprised, even - by the performance, his counterpart Ross Lyon was close to disgusted. Definitely frustrated. Understandably frustrated.
St Kilda had 38 more possessions than Essendon, but 14 less inside 50s. It lost the clearances, it lost the tackle count, it had 20 fewer contested possessions.
Whether he used the press conference to prod his struggling team or whether it was pure honesty, Lyon didn't mince his words.
"If it's a transition phase, that's what it is. This group has been to five prelims, three under me and two grand finals under me. Maybe it is transition," Lyon said.
"At the minute, if you want to get a kick and and uncontested mark, come and play againt the Saints. On what I've seen, how do we interpret that? We didn't look hungry."
Football can sometimes be overcomplicated, but that, in essence may have summed up Sunday's result. Essendon was, and is, hungry, and it's showing.
