In a thrilling contest at Marvel Stadium, St Kilda claimed a nail-biting seven-point victory over Geelong, finishing 15.8 (98) to 13.13 (91). This victory marked a significant turnaround for the Saints after their disappointing loss in Round 1, establishing them as a competitive force in the AFL.
St Kilda set the pace for the evening, dominating the first half with an impressive display of pressure and ball movement. Building a commanding lead, they surged ahead with six goals to one in the first quarter, giving them an astonishing 41-point lead late in the third term. However, Geelong refused to back down, storming back with a flurry of goals in the fourth quarter to put the pressure on St Kilda.
The defining moment of the match came late in the game when Geelong's Brad Close appeared to score a crucial goal that would have brought them to within three points. However, a crucial decision by the video review panel determined that Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera had touched the ball before it crossed the goal line, denying the Cats a potential game-tying goal. "That’s amazing, isn't it? That is unreal," commented David King, highlighting the pivotal play.
Wanganeen-Milera’s extraordinary defensive effort was further showcased by the strategy applied by St Kilda, which focused on intense pressure to unsettle Geelong’s game plan. "I thought our pressure and hunt was so good," said Saints star Rowan Marshall after the game, reflecting on the overall team performance that asserted their dominance throughout the contest.
Despite the challenges, Geelong was heavily hampered by the losses of key players in the match. Just before quarter time, Tom Stewart, a five-time All-Australian defender, exited the game due to a knee injury following an awkward fall. Initially believed to be an ankle injury, it turned out to be more severe, leaving coach Chris Scott scrambling to adjust his defensive line. "Tom Stewart is probably the last player they could afford to lose," remarked Jack Riewoldt on Fox Footy, emphasizing Stewart's critical role in the team.
Additionally, Bailey Smith, a vital newcomer for Geelong, was a late withdrawal due to a calf injury. His absence was sorely felt, particularly against a swift St Kilda lineup. Nathan Buckley pointed out, "They’re missing some targets now too, which means it’s harder to chain those possessions together," underlining the impact of these key injuries on Geelong's performance.
Despite a lackluster first half, the Cats made a considerable push in the final quarter, scoring four goals to one as they attempted to chip away at the Saints’ substantial lead. Geelong’s resilience was commendable as they mounted a comeback, but St Kilda’s initial charge proved just enough to secure victory. The final moments were tense as St Kilda desperately clung to their lead, showcasing the classic nature of AFL where fortunes can shift rapidly within mere minutes.
The contrast between both teams’ performances could not have been clearer. Last week, Geelong had overwhelmingly defeated Fremantle by 78 points, while St Kilda experienced a disappointing defeat against Adelaide. The dramatic shift in form displayed the unpredictable nature of football. Buckley stated appropriately, "Football is literally a week-to-week proposition now," highlighting the rivalry tension contained in each AFL match.
This match not only showcased individual talents but also demonstrated the broader narrative of team dynamics and injury management that could define the season. The victory represents a key moment for St Kilda as coach Ross Lyon celebrated a coaching performance he deemed one of the best in recent years, illustrating how new strategies and talent can rejuvenate a squad.
The aftermath left both teams with much to ponder. St Kilda, now standing at a 1-1 record, will take heart from their victory, a performance that fans can rally behind. Meanwhile, Geelong faces tough questions regarding their depth and the ability to adapt in the face of injuries, particularly with high-profile players sidelined at a critical juncture in the season. “They’re a different team with Tom Stewart as to without Tom Stewart,” King concluded, suggesting that Geelong must quickly find solutions to remain competitive moving forward.
