Nobody was sure how the crowd would react to Stephen Milne on Saturday night. In Milne's first game for the Saints after last month being charged with rape, he was roundly applauded as he ran towards the Saints cheer squad before the first bounce. His reception wasn't as warm thereafter. His first touch, 11 minutes in, set up St Kilda's first goal but was met with jeers. And his first shot at goal, later in the term, came with fierce boos. Milne kicked two goals in the third term and gave the Saints a chance, and finished with 10 possessions, each of them well and truly noted by the Carlton fans.
2. Kreuzer reaches his ton
It was an interesting build-up to Matthew Kreuzer's 100th career game. He was thrown up as potential trade bait, he came out and said he was going nowhere, and his coach Mick Malthouse described him as an "untouchable" player at the club. Before the game, Carlton president Stephen Kernahan was effusive in his praise for Kreuzer's loyalty. "That kid, two years ago, he got chased by GWS and got offered double the money. He didn't wait all season to sign up with the Carlton Football Club," Kernahan said. "He signed up on the spot because he said 'I'm going nowhere, I love this joint.' I love that loyalty," he said. "His best is yet to come." Kreuzer had 14 disposals and 33 hit-outs in Carlton's 36-point win.
3. The Henderson swap
Lachie Henderson started his career as a forward, changed clubs, became a defender and has grown into a very good one. But every now and then a footballer's history repeats and with Jarrad Waite out injured, the Blues started Henderson deep in attack. He kicked their first two goals, and had another shot he probably should have kicked. It was a good move. He kicked his third in the third quarter and finished with four majors. He also helped create a good forward dynamic alongside marking target Sam Rowe, who kicked three goals for the Blues.
4. One for the road
Rotations prevent many full-game head-to-head battles in modern footy, but there was a good contest between ageing midfield warriors Lenny Hayes and Chris Judd throughout Saturday night's encounter. For the best part of the first three quarters, they pushed and shoved to get best position, fought for the ball when it was up for grabs, and did as they have done for more than a decade: give everything to win the contest. Hayes finished with 27 disposals but Judd had more influence with his 26, and an important last-quarter goal. The pair might not face each other again if Hayes decides this year is the last of his career.
5. Lee a likely type
Tom Lee is 22 and at his second AFL club, but he should be judged as a first-year player. And on those terms, he has showed some exciting signs. Lee was drafted by Adelaide in 2008 but let go after one season because the Crows thought he was not ready. He got another chance after a few impressive seasons at WAFL level and was recruited by the Saints last year, and he's a likely type. He marks well, has a nice kicking action and looks dangerous when the ball's in his area. He's an uncomplicated player. Against the Blues, Lee kicked three goals from 12 touches, and should probably have had a bag of five if not for some simpler misses.
Callum Twomey is a reporter for the AFL website. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_CalTwomey
