Was solid across half-back, forming part of the Saints ‘safety in numbers’ defence. Is likely to have a far bigger task next week on one of the Pies’ key talls.
Zac Dawson - 8
Didn’t have a heap of one-on-ones with Big Bad Bustling but what he had to do he performed with aplomb. A fine effort to keep Bazza to one. A big tackle on Robert Murphy in the last quarter was a highlight.
Nick Dal Santo - 4
Left the field late in the second term with what looked like a lower leg injury and, while he did return, his fitness is certain to be a talking point through grand final week.
Sean Dempster - 7
Spent most of the night on Daniel Giansiracusa, who couldn’t really get near the ball. Saints fans would have loved that - not sure if Steven Baker would have. Can both fit in next week?
Robert Eddy - 4
Another who flies under the radar. Doesn’t get heaps of the ball but is courageous, and he worked and tackled hard across half-forward. Is that enough for a grand final berth?
Sam Fisher - 8
Performed his usual running role from half-back to perfection, especially early. Didn’t seem to have an opponent as the Saints put up their customary wall, and he relished his freedom.
Michael Gardiner - 7
The most effective big man on the ground. Had a big third term where he booted one and could have had another. Sat out much of the final term as Ross Lyon protected one of his most valuable assets.
Sam Gilbert - 5
Not as prolific as he sometimes is, with Dylan Addison having the better of him early. Like his side, finished off in better fashion and faces a sterner test next week.
Brendon Goddard - 7
Became really important after half time. Liam Picken did a terrific job early but the star lifted. Will be hoping his schnoz comes through next week in better nick than it did 12 months ago.
Jason Gram - 6
His run through the middle of the ground was important. Has good grand final form but twinged his groin early in the final term and is another who will need nursing through the week.
James Gwilt - 7
Was allowed to roam unchecked for much of the night and made the Dogs pay. Only two of his 24 touches were contested, indicating the space he was given. A nice gallop, but perhaps not the best lead up for the pressure he’ll face next week.
Lenny Hayes - 7
No All-Australian gong but a chance of a premiership medal. Hayes only knows one way and that’s head down, bum up. His 18 first-half touches helped keep the Saints in it, before fading a little. But Lyon protected his warrior towards the end.
Clint Jones - 6
Didn’t win a heap of the footy but that’s not his bag. The Saint ensured Ryan Griffen didn’t have a profound effect on the game. Was seen leaving the MCG with a picture of next target, Dane Swan.
Justin Koschitzke - 5
Some pleasing signs for the big fella, despite his direct opponent controlling the Saints' forward half early. Finished with two goals on Brian Lake. Can he do that - and more - next week?
Ben McEvoy - 5
The young big man showed great composure to drill a super-important goal late in the second term. His mobility around the ground and clearance work was also good against more-experienced opponents.
Andrew McQualter - 3
Finished with eight touches and didn’t really affect the game. If Ross Lyon asks to see him in his office this week, the fringe-dweller would be nervous.
Stephen Milne - 5
Milne was lively. Didn’t threaten to tear the game apart but his ability to hit the scoreboard in consecutive games this September will get the critics off his back. Booted 2.1 and has a chance to avenge some demons next week.
Leigh Montagna - 7
Had a lot of the footy without wreaking too much havoc. Montagna maintained his workrate and finished with more possessions than any other Saint, including 16 contested touches.
Brett Peake - 5
Played a defensive forward role on Murphy early before the Bulldog was shifted. Was then afforded more freedom and got a little bit of it, including a great running goal in his side’s blistering third quarter.
Farren Ray - 5
Spent most of his time back and through the middle and was solid without exerting any great influence. Was strong at the contest, however. His tackling and clearance work were a feature.
Nick Riewoldt - 9
Always loomed as the danger man and, as was the case a year earlier, he proved the matchwinner. Looked like his kicking might desert him early but it returned in his superb third term, when he booted two of his three goals. He also set up a couple, before being rested for much of the last quarter.
Adam Schneider - 6
Finished with three goals in a plucky display. Showed some nifty footwork on several occasions and proved a tough match-up for the Bulldogs inside 50.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
Join the finals conversation on Twitter: use #aflsaintsdogs in your tweets
