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The Brisbane midfield masterclass that St Kilda suffered – and learned – from paid immediate dividends six days later
for a refresher course on how a good midfield performs
and put that education into practice to thrash an insipid Fremantle by 61 points at Marvel Stadium on Friday night
Jack Macrae of the Saints kicks whilst being tackled by Caleb Serong of the Dockers.Credit: Getty Images
St Kilda’s victory ended their three-match losing skid and levels their win-loss ledger through eight rounds as they kept the Dockers to one goal in the first half and only five for the game
Fremantle’s 5.3 (33) scoreline was the equal-10th-lowest in club history
and it took three final quarter goals to avoid being even lower
It was a good response,” Lyon said afterwards
The vision of a relaxed and satisfied Lyon smirking in the coaches’ box and leaning back in his chair
spoke louder than his subdued post-match reaction
Ross Lyon addresses Saints players during the their round 8 match against the Dockers.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“We know we’ve got a heap of work to do to improve
“We’ve already spoken about [moving on] to Carlton next week
and I’m not a get-carried-away coach; good or bad
Ex-Bulldog Jack Macrae starred for the Saints with video-game numbers of 38 disposals
Macrae was also by Caleb Serong’s side at most stoppages
and with help from Jack Steele and Hugo Garcia
he held the Dockers ball magnet to 15 disposals - his lowest tally since his rookie season five years ago
Serong entered the night averaging 29.6 disposals and a competition-best 15.9 contested possessions
10 tackles) and debutant Hugh Boxshall (16
four clearances) played strong complementary midfield roles
Steele and St Kilda also limited Andrew Brayshaw to a modest 18 touches
while the third of Fremantle’s three-headed on-ball monster
exited the match before half-time with what his coach Justin Longmuir said was a “serious” hamstring recurrence
Liam Stocker’s job on Dockers recruit Shai Bolton
who mustered only seven scoreless disposals at 43 per cent efficiency
The raw numbers illustrated the massive gulf between the teams; the Saints dominated disposals (379-286)
contested possessions (151-103) and uncontested possessions (233-175)
Caleb Serong and Alex Pearce of the Dockers.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“Caleb Serong is one who’s been a great player over the years
in terms of his contested ball and clearance,” Steele told this masthead
“We didn’t have a direct tag or anything on him
but we just wanted to make sure we limited his damage around stoppage
That was a big part of the game: win the midfield battle
“They’re both really great midfielders in their own right
and sometimes it’s very hard to stop contested players
but we were able to just be a little bit harder at the ball on most occasions.”
Steele was pleasantly surprised to learn the context of Serong’s modest output
and said the pressure-filled performance needed to be the “standard” for their midfield group
St Kilda’s captain did his best to keep the result in check
preferring not to even broach the topic of finals
“I know we’re looking at next week already,” Steele said
but I think if you were to tell us at the start of the year
and the young players we had in that we would be four and four after the tough scheduling we had
I’d say we’d be pretty happy.“The Saints hauled in 15 marks inside 50 to the Dockers’ four
with Cooper Sharman (four) and Mitch Owens (three) combining for seven goals
Jack Steele of the Saints in action.Credit: Getty Images
while both Jye Amiss’ goals came in the last quarter when the game was effectively over
A disappointed Longmuir said his 10th-placed team’s inconsistency was “not good enough” and that everyone
They have lost all three of their matches in Victoria this season
“The first thing I look at after a performance like that
I’ve got to look at my own performance this week
‘Am I contributing to us being an inconsistent team?’
You can’t just sit here and say it’s all on the players.”
Fremantle Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick guaranteed coach Justin Longmuir’s future pre-game tonight – before the side was thumped by St Kilda
Garlick has been a staunch supporter of Longmuir and the club employed him on an “ongoing” position that is reviewed annually
He was asked pre-game if he could guarantee Longmuir would be coach of the club for round one in 2026
“He’s doing a phenomenal job,” Garlick told ABC Sport
For successful coaches like Mick [Malthouse] and others
and we are incredibly pleased with the job he’s doing
“The amazing thing about the ongoing employment arrangement [no long-term contract to Longmuir’s name] – there is no practical difference [to other coaches]
“Every coach in the AFL now has a notice period
The days of signing a five-year contract or a 10-year contract like Mick once did and got paid out – they are over.”
The Dockers walk off after being thumped by St Kilda.Credit: Getty Images
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir spoke to the media post game
Are you in a bit of shock?Shock is not the word
It was not the performance we wanted to put out there
we didn’t get any of those focuses that we went into the game with done
The numbers are extraordinary...Extraordinary
they did a good job to lock down Caleb [Serong] and Andy [Brayshaw]
I thought they supported the contest well with their forwards
which emptied out our backline a little bit
we just couldn’t get anything proactive going all night
but we got beaten both sides of the ball as well
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir had a night to forgetCredit: AFL Photos
Caleb had his lowest disposal tally in five years
What did you see from what they were doing
They seemed to be maintaining contact with him at every stoppage...Exactly
Then their key player in there got off the chain in Macrae
Is this team becoming too reliant on Caleb as the star?You could say that on the back of tonight
Are you concerned about the emotional rollercoaster they are riding when they are in the game emotionally and starting like that
when they aren’t playing well?[I’m not sure that’s the way I would frame it
Clearly our consistency has been not where it needs to be in the early part of the season
The main message after the game to the players is: are we up for the challenge that an AFL season confronts
because you can’t be that team that has the high highs and the low lows
We want to be a really consistent team that goes back to zero each week
understands what each team’s strengths are and be willing to
week out to be that consistent team we need to be
and the results show we are not at the moment
Saints coach Ross Lyon.Credit: Getty Images
Saints coach Ross Lyon spoke to Channel Seven post-game
It’s great to see you smiling again...I’m always smiling
There are some clear things in our system swirling around
really when you have choices to do the harder stuff..
How did you go managing the anger and frustration
Turning that into the motivation an execution we saw tonight
the numbers were incredible...They were really strong
I thought leaders started at the top with Jack Steele
that previous two weeks I wasn’t as agitated about our effort as I was over the last two
Hugo Garcia gets a handball away.Credit: AFL Photos
there was a bit of commentary around the Garcia subbing last week and then you had a chat to him on the bench
But I’m old-school...Until you are in the chair and understand it
the game is going and gone so you need to do something
Unless you are inside and hearing what has been said
I don’t understand how they jump to the conclusions that they do
and they went out and did that really well tonight
It is nice to see a young player respond and have an impact...Yes
[He’s] so competitive [and] trained so hard
We were laughing because he missed the set shot
It was nice to breathe out and show the human side for two minutes
Mitch Owens celebrates a goal.Credit: AFL Photos
St Kilda have ended their three-match losing skid in impressive fashion
demolishing – and embarrassing – Fremantle by 61 points at Marvel Stadium
The Dockers kicked just one goal in the first half and their final 5.3 (33) scoreline was their equal-10th-lowest ever
It took two Jye Amiss goals and another in the last minute from Quinton Narkle in the fourth quarter to avoid an even worse place in club history
Cooper Sharman kicked a match-high four goals for the Saints and Mitch Owens chipped in with three
while Jack Macrae was outstanding with 38 disposals
including 25 contested possessions and 14 clearances
Just as valuable was Macrae’s tandem effort with Jack Steele
to hold Dockers ball magnet Caleb Serong to only 15 touches
They maintained contact with Serong at every stoppage and successfully dulled his influence
had a quiet night for the Dockers.Credit: Getty Images
All of Sharman’s goals came in the second half
including three in a spectacular third term where he spun out of a tackle in the pocket and somehow kicked the ball through the big sticks
His Jason Akermanis-inspired celebration was just as good
cupping his mouth with one hand and placing the other on his head
St Kilda thrashed Fremantle’s much-vaunted midfield
and strangled the visitors’ ball movement whenever they did get their hands on the Sherrin
almost doubled the Dockers’ inside-50 count
centre clearances (13-5) and contested possessions (151-103)
The result levels St Kilda’s win-loss ledger through eight rounds and provisionally propels them into 11th place
Young’s night ended early with another hamstring injury after the same injury delayed his season start
making for a nightmare trip east for Justin Longmuir’s men
Fremantle have lost all three matches in Melbourne this season
following defeats to Geelong (GMHBA Stadium) in round one and the Demons (MCG) a fortnight ago
Rowan Marshall and Caleb Serong wrestle.Credit: Getty Images
Saints ruckman Rowan Marshall spoke to Channel Seven post game
Q: How pleased were you with the midfield group
Because you absolutely dominated clearance and contested ball...So good
[It’s] an area we have been beat up in over the last couple of weeks
really pleasing result from midfield group
Q: How did you set yourself for a big one against their one-two ruck combination with Jackson coming back in
It looked as though you were really trying to challenge Darcy with the work you were putting in forward.Yes
You are pretty cooked and suddenly Jackson comes into the ruck
But [I’m] really pleased with the way the midfield went tonight
Did you think he had that in him tonight?Yes
He is becoming a really consistent forward now
and he is a real strong leader down there with the forwards at the moment
Cooper Sharman with a Jason Akermanis-like celebration.Credit: AFL Photos
Saints forward Cooper Sharman admitted he was inspired to bring out the “Aker” celebration after kicking one of his four goals tonight
Retired Brisbane great Jason Akermanis made a similar gesture years ago after kicking a stunning goal
“I pulled the Aker celie [celebration] – I saw him on one of the footy shows a couple of weeks ago and it sparked my memory,” Sharman told Fox Footy
Anthony Caminiti of the Saints spoils a mark by Alex Pearce of the Dockers.Credit: Getty Images
woeful Fremantle at Marvel Stadium tonight
The Dockers were as poor as they’ve been since their earliest years in the AFL
and their game style looks like that of a bygone era
the spotlight has to go to Dockers coach Justin Longmuir after this performance
This can’t just be travel yips about coming to Melbourne – they’ve been exposed tonight as not playing a style and manner that is competitive in modern AFL football
most of them in the last term when the contest was all but decided
snapping a goal after a horror kick from Freo was intercepted at half-back
Ross Lyon has a grin on his face in the coaching box
Ross?” Anthony Hudson exclaimed on Fox Footy
Mitch Owens has kicked his third goal with a screwing kick that bounced through
The Dockers have finally found a little run and it has again resulted in Jye Amiss taking a mark and kicking a goal
The Brisbane midfield masterclass that St Kilda suffered \\u2013 and learned \\u2013 from paid immediate dividends six days later
St Kilda\\u2019s victory ended their three-match losing skid and levels their win-loss ledger through eight rounds as they kept the Dockers to one goal in the first half and only five for the game
Fremantle\\u2019s 5.3 (33) scoreline was the equal-10th-lowest in club history
It was a good response,\\u201D Lyon said afterwards
The vision of a relaxed and satisfied Lyon smirking in the coaches\\u2019 box and leaning back in his chair
\\u201CWe know we\\u2019ve got a heap of work to do to improve
We\\u2019re not getting carried away,\\u201D he said
\\u201CWe\\u2019ve already spoken about [moving on] to Carlton next week
and I\\u2019m not a get-carried-away coach; good or bad
I\\u2019ll leave that to the others.\\u201D
Macrae was also by Caleb Serong\\u2019s side at most stoppages
while the third of Fremantle\\u2019s three-headed on-ball monster
exited the match before half-time with what his coach Justin Longmuir said was a \\u201Cserious\\u201D hamstring recurrence
Liam Stocker\\u2019s job on Dockers recruit Shai Bolton
\\u201CCaleb Serong is one who\\u2019s been a great player over the years
in terms of his contested ball and clearance,\\u201D Steele told this masthead
\\u201CWe didn\\u2019t have a direct tag or anything on him
\\u201CThey\\u2019re both really great midfielders in their own right
and sometimes it\\u2019s very hard to stop contested players
but we were able to just be a little bit harder at the ball on most occasions.\\u201D
Steele was pleasantly surprised to learn the context of Serong\\u2019s modest output
and said the pressure-filled performance needed to be the \\u201Cstandard\\u201D for their midfield group
St Kilda\\u2019s captain did his best to keep the result in check
\\u201CI know we\\u2019re looking at next week already,\\u201D Steele said
\\u201CIt\\u2019s a big game against Carlton
I\\u2019d say we\\u2019d be pretty happy.\\u201CThe Saints hauled in 15 marks inside 50 to the Dockers\\u2019 four
while both Jye Amiss\\u2019 goals came in the last quarter when the game was effectively over
A disappointed Longmuir said his 10th-placed team\\u2019s inconsistency was \\u201Cnot good enough\\u201D and that everyone
should be \\u201Cquestioning themselves\\u201D
\\u201CThe first thing I look at after a performance like that
\\u2018What did I get wrong?\\u2019,\\u201D Longmuir said
\\u201CI\\u2019m not sitting here blaming the players
I\\u2019ve got to look at my own performance this week
\\u2018Am I contributing to us being an inconsistent team?\\u2019
You can\\u2019t just sit here and say it\\u2019s all on the players.\\u201D
Fremantle Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick guaranteed coach Justin Longmuir\\u2019s future pre-game tonight \\u2013 before the side was thumped by St Kilda
Garlick has been a staunch supporter of Longmuir and the club employed him on an \\u201Congoing\\u201D position that is reviewed annually
\\u201CHe\\u2019s doing a phenomenal job,\\u201D Garlick told ABC Sport
and we are incredibly pleased with the job he\\u2019s doing
\\u201CThe amazing thing about the ongoing employment arrangement [no long-term contract to Longmuir\\u2019s name] \\u2013 there is no practical difference [to other coaches]
\\u201CEvery coach in the AFL now has a notice period
The days of signing a five-year contract or a 10-year contract like Mick once did and got paid out \\u2013 they are over.\\u201D
we didn\\u2019t get any of those focuses that we went into the game with done
We didn\\u2019t handle the surge game off that
we just couldn\\u2019t get anything proactive going all night
when they aren\\u2019t playing well?[I\\u2019m not sure that\\u2019s the way I would frame it
because you can\\u2019t be that team that has the high highs and the low lows
understands what each team\\u2019s strengths are and be willing to
but I\\u2019m sure we are up for the fight
It\\u2019s great to see you smiling again...I\\u2019m always smiling
I don\\u2019t think he took a mark inside 50
I\\u2019ve said to the group my whole time here
that previous two weeks I wasn\\u2019t as agitated about our effort as I was over the last two
He has got character...Who didn\\u2019t like it
But I\\u2019m old-school...Until you are in the chair and understand it
I don\\u2019t understand how they jump to the conclusions that they do
[He\\u2019s] so competitive [and] trained so hard
demolishing \\u2013 and embarrassing \\u2013 Fremantle by 61 points at Marvel Stadium
Just as valuable was Macrae\\u2019s tandem effort with Jack Steele
All of Sharman\\u2019s goals came in the second half
St Kilda thrashed Fremantle\\u2019s much-vaunted midfield
and strangled the visitors\\u2019 ball movement whenever they did get their hands on the Sherrin
almost doubled the Dockers\\u2019 inside-50 count
The result levels St Kilda\\u2019s win-loss ledger through eight rounds and provisionally propels them into 11th place
Young\\u2019s night ended early with another hamstring injury after the same injury delayed his season start
making for a nightmare trip east for Justin Longmuir\\u2019s men
[It\\u2019s] an area we have been beat up in over the last couple of weeks
But [I\\u2019m] really pleased with the way the midfield went tonight
Saints forward Cooper Sharman admitted he was inspired to bring out the \\u201CAker\\u201D celebration after kicking one of his four goals tonight
\\u201CI pulled the Aker celie [celebration] \\u2013 I saw him on one of the footy shows a couple of weeks ago and it sparked my memory,\\u201D Sharman told Fox Footy
so I thought I\\u2019d give it a go.\\u201D
The Dockers were as poor as they\\u2019ve been since their earliest years in the AFL
This can\\u2019t just be travel yips about coming to Melbourne \\u2013 they\\u2019ve been exposed tonight as not playing a style and manner that is competitive in modern AFL football
Ross?\\u201D Anthony Hudson exclaimed on Fox Footy
ROSS Lyon asked his team for more at the contest
St Kilda shook off a hyper defensive start to explode in the second half
running out a 14.10 (94) to 5.3 (33) winner over Fremantle under the Marvel Stadium roof on Friday evening
And it was all built on the Saints' hard edge at the contest
and the contested possession count 151-103
SAINTS v DOCKERS Full match coverage and stats
Meanwhile, things went from bad to worse for Fremantle, with dynamic midfielder Hayden Young suffering his third hamstring injury of the year, as he was subbed out in the second quarter.
In a game that was crying out for someone to take the spotlight, Cooper Sharman was the fire starter in the third quarter. First, he rose above the pack backyard footy style in a moment that exposed the Fremantle defence, and gave the Saint confidence to leap at the footy.
Extended highlights of the Saints and Dockers clash in round eight of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
Watch St Kilda’s press conference after round eight’s match against Fremantle
Watch Fremantle’s press conference after round eight’s match against St Kilda
Cooper Sharman delivers an unforgettable performance with four goals, featuring a towering speccy and a Goal of the Year contender
The Saints and Dockers clash in round eight of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
After a tough week, Hugo Garcia claims a well-deserved major in the final term as cameras pan to Ross Lyon's reaction
Mitch Owens reels in a stunning one-handed mark before finishing strongly and celebrating with the home faithful
Cooper Sharman delivers a familiar celebration after stunning the crowd with this ridiculous effort to put his hand up for Goal of the Year
Isaiah Dudley provides the goal Fremantle was crying out for after a dry spell
The Dockers are forced to substitute Hayden Young out of the game after the injury-riddled midfielder comes off worse for wear following a tackle
Jack Higgins delivers a unique celebration after scoring a thrilling goal for the Saints
Mitch Owens reels in a courageous mark before finding Brad Hill for a superb opening goal
He backed it up with three goals for the term, and four for the game, including a neat kick around the body under pressure from the deepest of angles, and celebrated Jason Akermanis-style. His ability to get into the game was a result of St Kilda's willingness to empty out its attacking arc to offer its forward line some room to move.
Mitch Owens (18 disposals, three goals) added some creativity and class in the front half, and Hugo Garcia's response after a tough week bore 19 disposals, 10 tackles, and a goal for the match.
It was a defensive, slow-moving opening half, leading to Fremantle's third lowest half-time score in its history at just seven points, and just the fourth time the club had generated fewer than three scoring shots in a half of football.
The Dockers simply couldn't get their hands on the footy.
Andy Brayshaw (18 disposals, one clearance) couldn't establish any flow in his game, largely being marked by Saints captain Jack Steele, and Caleb Serong (15 disposals, eight clearances) had a rotating match-up of Jack Macrae (38 disposals, 14 clearances) and Garcia to contend with.
St Kilda was effective in forcing the Dockers wide and slow, relying on the latter's tendency to bunker down when under pressure and opt for safe, stagnant ball movement. Every time there was a sniff of creative, quick play, they were caught out with indecision going inside 50 and ultimately turned the ball over.
The visitors' forward 50 arc acted almost as a force-field as a result of their poor use, and St Kilda's proactive defensive positioning. Jimmy Webster (21 disposals, seven intercepts) and Callum Wilkie (eight intercepts, 14 marks) were staunch behind play.
Despite the Dockers' defence's disorganisation at times, captain Alex Pearce (10 intercepts, four contested marks) stood tall fighting hard in the air and on the ground.
ST KILDA 2.2 4.3 8.6 14.10 (94)FREMANTLE 1.0 1.1 2.3 5.3 (33)
GOALSSt Kilda: Sharman 4, Owens 3, Wilson, Steele, Hill, Higgins, Garcia, Collard, CaminitiFremantle: Amiss 2, Young, Narkle, Dudley
BESTSt Kilda: Owens, Sharman, Macrae, Steele, Wanganeen-Milera, WilkieFremantle: Pearce, Clark, Wagner, Ryan
INJURIESSt Kilda: NilFremantle: Young (right hamstring)
LATE CHANGESSt Kilda: Mattaes Phillipou replaced by Tobie TravagliaFremantle: Nil
SUBSTITUTESSt Kilda: Tobie Travaglia (unused)Fremantle: Quinton Narkle (replaced Hayden Young in the second quarter)
Gold Coast Academy’s Usher on her ACL injury, rehab battles and best friend Havana Harris
Unusual celebrations, freak goals, incredible misses and more in our look back on the April action of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership season
Three-time premiership coach Mick Malthouse gives host Bharat Sundaresan the rundown on how Australian football began, and how it became such a significant part of Australian culture
With a challenging month of away clashes ahead, Fremantle needs to find a way to win on the road if it's to seriously contend in 2025, writes Nathan Schmook
One of footy's famous rivalries will kick off the AFLW season to mark the 10th season of the competition
Check out all the action from the state leagues around the country
Damian Barrett and Matthew Lloyd with the latest news and opinions from Round 8.
Follow all the action from the Saints' clash against the Dockers
Footy Feed: Sarah Olle and Riley Beveridge with the latest news
Check out the Rising Star for AFL’s Round 8, Hugo Garcia
Will a hard tag from Jack Viney be the reason Harley Reid leaves the Eagles?
Vote now on your favourite marks from Round 8 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
The Match Review findings for Sunday's round eight games are in
In the spirit of reconciliation the AFL acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
A disappointing night for Fremantle saw the Club suffer a heavy loss, kicking just 33 points — the Club’s equal tenth-lowest score ever.
Nothing went right for the travelling side, who recorded fewer contested possessions (151–103), inside 50s (61–34), clearances (50–22), and marks inside 50 (15–4).
A low-scoring first term from both sides saw Fremantle trail by only eight points, but from there, St Kilda steadily extended their lead at each break, eventually pushing the final margin out to 61 points.
Despite Fremantle’s defensive struggles, captain Alex Pearce (10 intercepts, four contested marks) stood tall, fighting hard both in the air and on the ground.
Watch all the highlights in our Round 8 game against the Saints
Speedster Corey Wagner (16 tackles, 13 disposals) had his moments, setting a new Club record for tackles in a single game.
Quinton Narkle, who made his Fremantle debut in last week’s win over the Crows, kicked his first goal for the Club late in the fourth quarter — but by then, the damage had already been done by the Saints.
Much of the battle was won and lost at the contest and out of the middle, with Fremantle’s -28 clearance differential the worst on Club record.
Things went from bad to worse for Freo with dynamic midfielder Hayden Young suffering a hamstring injury in the second quarter, taking no further part in the match after being subbed out.
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one clearance) was largely shadowed by Saints captain Jack Steele
eight clearances) faced a rotating match-up of Jack Macrae and Hugo Garcia
It was Serong’s lowest disposal count in five years
ST KILDA 2.2 4.3 8.6 14.10 (94)FREMANTLE 1.0 1.1 2.3 5.3 (33)
INJURIESSt Kilda: NilFremantle: Young (right hamstring)
LATE CHANGESSt Kilda: Mattaes Phillipou replaced by Tobie TravagliaFremantle: Nil
SUBSTITUTESSt Kilda: Tobie Travaglia (unused)Fremantle: Quinton Narkle (replaced Hayden Young in the second quarter)
Fremantle co-vice-captain Caleb Serong has highlighted the inconsistency of the season as a pain point for both the playing and coaching group
Fremantle Senior Coach Justin Longmuir says accountability key after Saints defeat
A disappointing night for Fremantle saw the Club suffer a heavy loss
Fremantle have confirmed their final team of 23 to take on St Kilda in Friday night’s Round 8 clash
Thursday's Round 9 clash with Collingwood marks our annual Purple Hands Foundation game
where the Club and Purple Hands will be raising funds to make sure no young person is left behind
Vice Captain Caleb Serong speaks to the media ahead of our clash with Collingwood in the Purple Hands game this Thursday at Optus
Hear from Senior Coach JL following our loss to St Kilda
Swita spoke in the rooms post-game following the Round 8 clash against St Kilda
The Fremantle Football Club respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land
waterways and skies on which we live and play our great game here in Perth
the Whadjuk People of the Noongar Boodja and acknowledge their continuing connection to Country and culture
senior knowledge holders and those following in their footsteps
and extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across Australia
This is probably not the page you’re looking for
I’m wondering if the editor of The Fremantle Shipping News will let me leave it at that
Garry Lyon called it “embarrassing” and “meek.” And I winced at that terrible
With just two goals to half time … don’t get excited
there would only be another three after it …
Justin Longmuir came down to the bench and sat there
said nasty things about his Mum and pulled his daks down in front of the entire class
And in the white-hot glare of the cameras and the entire Friday night AFL community
unblinking and wait for the school nurse to call a responsible adult to take him home and put him to bed
I kept starting sentences with “Surely we’ll …” or “We have to show something …”
The siren mercifully brought the game to an end
And I imagine … at this point I turned it off … that some poor sap in a Freo jumper had to step forward and explain what had gone so horribly wrong
shaking his head in disbelief and saying “That’s not us
There will of course be furious calls to sack the coach and probably all the players
but enormously tempting at times like these
critical thinking is dubious at best and all hope seems lost
Maybe they should pick Will Brodie next week
I don’t care who shows up against Collingwood
* By our multi-talented and amazingly insightful footy scribe
He may or may not have been a fringe player at Fremantle
Don’t miss Snaps’ report after each Freo Dockers match here on the Shipping News throughout the 2025 season
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There we sat in our seats on Saturday night just..
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Cooper Sharman put on a second-half clinic to launch St Kilda to an impressive win over a Fremantle side dubbed “listless” and “embarrassing”
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St Kilda will host Fremantle on Friday Night Footy in Round 8 of the AFL from Marvel Stadium
Both currently sitting outside the top eight looking in
this is a huge match for both clubs on the big stage
we have a full preview and betting tips for the clash below
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content
Odds: St Kilda ($2.10) vs Fremantle ($1.73)
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Dabble
Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week
After a three-game winning streak that saw them claim the scalps of Geelong and Port Adelaide
the Saints have lost their last three games on the spin
losing the last two in troubling fashion to the Bulldogs and Lions
The midfield has been absolutely smashed in those two games
and the Saints could desperately use some reinforcements in the middle of the ground as the likes of Jack Steele and Jack Macrae are currently looking a little one paced
they could get a little infusion of talent through the middle this week
as youngster Mattaes Philippou looks set to return from a leg injury to make his season debut while Hunter Clark could also return from an abdominal strain
Max King remains on the sidelines with a knee injury while promising youngster Alix Tauru
has been suspended for four games after an incident in the VFL last week
The Dockers kicked off the season with two straight losses to the Cats and Swans
but have since bounced back to win three of their next four games
the most recent of which a fantastic win over the Crows at home on Friday night
The star midfield duo of Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong continued their dominant start to the season
racking up 69 touches between them in the win
The Dockers could be boosted massively by the inclusion of Luke Jackson this week
after the ruck/forward missed the last three games with a hamstring injury
They still have a host of players on the injury/suspension list including Bailey Banfield
After the strong start to the season against quality opposition
this three-game stretch at Marvel Stadium promised to be an opportunity for the Saints to stake their claim on the 2025 season given their recent form under the roof
It couldn’t have gone much worse through the first two weeks and I can’t see it getting any better against what is another star-studded midfield
The Saints have been absolutely obliterated in the midfield over the last two weeks
losing the inside 50 count 69-31 against the Bulldogs and then 66-43 against the Lions
Tigers and Eagles have worse inside 50 differentials this season
I think this gets ugly again for the Saints on Friday night
who lost by 17 points to the Dockers under the roof last season
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just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet
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Josh Treacy 2+ Goals - Just a few behind the Coleman leader this season and has kicked multiple goals in five of his last six games
The Saints have got Dougal Howard back but still look undermanned in defence and allowed Eric Hipwood to snag four on the weekend
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera 25+ Disposals - Was injected into the lacking Saints midfield at times throughout the loss to the Lions and his numbers benefitted
racking up over 30 for the first time this season
Has only missed the 25 mark once in seven games
Hayden Young 20+ Disposals - Has been back in the Dockers lineup for three games now and has cleared the 20 disposal mark in his last two straight
Had a field day against the Saints last year with 27 touches and three scoring shots (despite kicking 0.3)
SGM Odds: $2.60 at BoomBet
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The second draftee from the Saints’ 2024 AFL draft class is set to debut
with Hugh Boxshall to face Fremantle this Friday night at Marvel Stadium
St Kilda live-traded up the draft order to secure the 188cm West Australian
who took no time to demonstrate his readiness for senior footy with a 15-disposal
two-goal performance during the AAMI Community Series game
More recently Boxshall has averaged 23.8 disposals in his four VFL games to date
Liam Stocker shares the news that Hugh Boxshall will make his AFL debut
“Hugh has been an exciting addition to the midfield mix since his arrival at the club,” EGM of Football David Misson said
“We’ve loved seeing him excel over summer and reap the rewards of his hard work in the VFL
We can’t wait to watch him take his opportunity with both hands this Friday night
as we welcome the Boxshall family over from the west.”
Enjoy Hugh Boxshall's standout VFL performance for Sandringham
The 18-year-old was a key part of Claremont Colts' 2024 WAFL premiership win
before going on to dominate at the WA combine last year with top-five finishes in the 2km time trial
Boxshall will become the Saints’ sixth debutant for 2025
Honouring the past with eyes towards an ambitious future
Check out where and when you can see the Saints in 2025
Jaimee Lambert has clinched her second Best & Fairest in St Kilda colours
A considerable amount has changed between Jack Sinclair’s football career and his grandfather's
white and black and an iteration of the famed club Crest have persisted
A new era for St Kilda Football Club has begun
with the club today unveiling its modernised club Crest to take the red
Emerging Saint Hugo Garcia has been rewarded for a strong performance on Friday night
Help us build a resilient community through various programs and initiatives championed by the Danny Frawley Centre
Jack Macrae has polled a perfect 10 coaches votes in the Saints' big win over the Dockers on Friday night
All you need to know for the Saints' clash with the Dockers in Round 8
Lenny Hayes delivers Hugo Garcia the news of his Rising Star nomination
Re-live all the goals from our huge win against Fremantle
Senior coach Ross Lyon discusses the Saints' big win over the Dockers
Cooper Sharman delivers an unforgettable performance with four goals
featuring a towering speccy and a Goal of the Year contender
St Kilda Football Club wishes to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which the club sits
all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples whose lands and waters we work
Every AFL club has a network of influencers who make things happen through their wealth
As part of our series on AFL club powerbrokers
By Sam McClure
The first game in the third season of Ross Lyon’s second coming at St Kilda didn’t pan out as the coach hoped
In what he described as an “erratic” performance
his Saints were put to the sword by the Crows at Adelaide Oval
The performance had the vultures circling, but in the days after the heavy defeat
On the other end was one of the Saints’ biggest powerbrokers: Gerry Ryan
Don’t change things after the first hurdle
did you really have that marked down as a win
How can you get in front of the 50-50 win-loss ratio
both in business and the business of sport
The owner and founder of Jayco caravans remains the biggest sponsor of Australian professional road and track cycling through the success of the GreenEDGE team and has been a part-owner of the Melbourne Storm since 2013
The Storm have played in five grand finals in that time
who are still searching for their second premiership and have the unfortunate distinction of holding the longest flag drought in the game (59 years)
That’s despite possessing serious star power on and off the field. Moorabbin has been home to some of the game’s greats – the late Trevor Barker, the heroic Nicky Winmar, Brownlow medallists Tony Lockett and Robert Harvey, modern champion Nick Riewoldt. Heavy hitters in the stands boast “Plugger”-like power and/or fame – trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, the late Shane Warne and movie star Eric Bana
When Ed Sheeran was in town for his concert tour
St Kilda great Tony Lockett.Credit: The Age
After nearly 40 years of being involved with the Saints
both in an official and unofficial capacity
“I think with Ross it’s taken him a couple of years to come in and undo what the previous management had done
and I was critical of the organisational structure of the club.”
with more than 350 games of coaching experience
He’s very successful and strong in his views and to be honest
it’s great to have a St Kilda person who’s aligned to the vision and the strategy
Because there are clubs that have people of Gerry’s influence and if they’re not aligned culturally
Jayco founder Gerry Ryan was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame
“It’s nice to be fortified when seas get a bit rough and to have someone who’s unwavering in strategy and belief to build something.”
Ryan served as vice president of St Kilda in the ’90s and was pivotal in helping the club survive
According to multiple club sources he continues to donate upwards of $250,000 per year
That’s not to say there are no strings attached
“He likes to know where that money is going,” said a club source
who spoke on the condition of anonymity given their position at the Saints
“And that’s OK because the club is always happy to tell him.”
Ryan thinks St Kilda’s two biggest mistakes were moving to Seaford and allowing Lyon to leave abruptly in 2011
It was in then CEO Michael Nettlefold’s office in Seaford in September 2011 that contract negotiations between Lyon and the Saints fell apart
“I flipped out,” Lyon recalled in a radio interview in 2022
“I rang [his then manager] Craig Kelly in the morning and said: ‘They can’t be trusted
I would rather dig ditches.’ He goes: ‘Settle down
that’s when an offer came in interestingly enough … from St Kilda
Lyon then led the Dockers to four consecutive finals series – including the 2013 grand final
Having played in the previous four finals series
including three grand finals and coming within one cruel bounce of a flag in the 2010 drawn decider
they went on to miss the top eight for the next eight years
St Kilda and Collingwood players after the drawn 2010 AFL grand final.Credit: Paul Rovere
That period still haunts St Kilda supporters
after two seasons and 44 games only had 17 wins to his name
but finished his St Kilda coaching career with a worse win/loss percentage and the same number of finals appearances: zero
The former Carlton captain and coach was a much-loved figure wherever he went
including at Hawthorn where he served as an assistant coach under Alastair Clarkson
a period in which the Hawks completed an unthinkable three-peat
Despite being sacked at Carlton
his coaching credentials appeared to have been re-written because of his success at Hawthorn
The decision to hire him was vindicated in less than a year
with the Saints playing in and winning a final in his first full season in 2020
the team’s form fell apart and the tide began to turn against Ratten
that the media created a false narrative as to how the club changed coaches from Ratten to Lyon
who celebrated his birthday aboard the Seabourn Quest.Credit: Artwork: Nathan Perri
days after Ratten’s Saints had been handed their third consecutive loss at the hands of Sydney
former St Kilda president and Linfox founder Fox hosted the country’s elite on a cruise from New York to Montreal
It was an exclusive guest list capped at 400 people. On the boat were fellow billionaires Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest and Solomon Lew, property billionaire John Gandel, former Carlton president Luke Sayers
former Melbourne mayor Sally Capp and entertainment mogul Eddie McGuire
Guests had to pay their own way to New York
who doesn’t have any personal association with St Kilda now (although one of his sons David still does)
footed the bill once the vessel left the docks
According to a report in the Australian Financial Review
cruise experts said the rack rate on a 12-day cruise would cost from $10,000 per person
The liner itself is valued at $US250 million ($390 million)
Reports emerged that the cruise was the scene of early discussions about making a change in the coaching position
Ryan confirmed to this masthead that conversations did take place
and they weren’t on the 200-metre Seabourn Quest
some concerned St Kilda people got together and said that to the president
we didn’t even talk about the coach and I questioned why we were leaving him out there by himself without any support
“It wasn’t his fault,” Ryan said of Ratten
St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena’s office sits in the north-western corner of the main building at Moorabbin
you walk past reception and up a modest staircase
the wall of which is covered by plaques of club donors who contributed to the club’s home base
Behind the plaques is a mural of the great Riewoldt
whose status is deeply ingrained in the club’s culture
and who remains close to Lyon as he pursues a media career with Channel Seven
To Dilena’s left is the car park and to the right are his staff
It’s hardly a bayside penthouse but outside the coach’s box
this is the most important room at St Kilda
For a team crying out for more ball-winning
Dilena knows what it’s like to be the chief executive of a financially struggling football club. Between 2013 and 2019, he ran North Melbourne
overseeing Brad Scott’s reign as coach during which the Kangaroos played in consecutive preliminary finals
He also helped eradicate the club’s debilitating debt
which was weighing heavily on both the supporter base and the AFL
Before taking on the Saints role in October 2022
“They’ll stuff something up then they’ll come back and ask to be bailed out,” he answered when asked what the AFL community’s opinion was
“I don’t want the Saints to have that reputation any more
But, like it or not, the Saints have for several years now been like Oliver Twist with his bowl. St Kilda ($26,102,000) and North Melbourne ($26,357,000) received the highest distributions from the AFL according to league’s 2024 annual report.
Which is why Dilena is so adamant the club’s $6.5 million bank debt will not be paid off by its rich and powerful supporters
for five weeks and use the proceeds to wipe the entire debt of the St Kilda Football Club
A former banker with Macquarie who stepped into the renewables industry
selling his company into the US for $1.3 billion
But money and energy come second and third to Russell’s greatest passion
The billionaire grew up in Moorabbin and now lives in the Brighton house once owned by fellow Saints lover Warne
Shane Warne and Eric Bana.Credit: Getty Images
you would usually find Russell at table one
the stepson of the creators of global toy giant Moose
which has 700 employees (mostly in Melbourne) and an annual revenue of $1 billion
We haven’t even got to the president, Andrew Bassat
It has just been valued at more than $9 billion
If you’re ever lucky enough to wander into the Saints rooms after a win
you’ll almost certainly catch a glimpse of Hollywood actor Eric Bana
Chopper and Troy star lives down the road from club headquarters in Brighton and is a close friend of Riewoldt and Bassat
So how can it be that with several billionaire supporters
“There’s a lot to be said for earning your stripes in the AFL,” Dilena said
Nick Riewoldt with Lyon in his first stint as coach.Credit: Vince Caligiuri
you have to play a strong brand of football
you have to be exciting to watch and that’s what we want to do
I don’t want to be putting my hand out to say
I think we as a club and as the administration have to take that on ourselves.”
He’s been a strong financial contributor to the club for decades
He could probably find the money to pay off the debt behind his couch
They’ve got to have a business plan and within that
There’s nothing wrong with having a bit of debt
as long as it’s being utilised and not wasted
“But they are in as good a financial position as they have ever been
“The board … the management … it’s the best the club has had for a long time
the clubs that have had the most money have won the most premierships
“We’ve had so much success at [NRL club Melbourne] Storm
And it’s all about getting the right people in
list strategist Graeme “Gubby” Allen and player manager Paul Connors sit in the middle of the restaurant
what’s on the agenda at the Mt Erica Hotel
other than expensive wine and scotch fillets
who turns white at the sight of a journalist appearing at the table
It just so happens that Connors looks after out-of-contract Carlton star Tom De Koning
who is being heavily courted by the Saints
Connors’ stable also manages the likes of Harley Reid and Luke Davies-Uniacke; the latter recently turned down a significant offer from the Saints
The Saints of 2025 make no secret of their desire to become a destination club for superstar players in the quest to add to their solitary 1966 premiership
There have also been mega offers for GWS talent Finn Callaghan and Carlton defender Jacob Weitering
but De Koning has before him an enticing offer of about $1.7 million a year to move to Moorabbin
On the potential recruitment of “TDK” and others
Ryan did not pretend to exert influence but said: “Whatever they do it’s about bringing in the right person with ability
Dilena recognises how lucky he and the club are to have people such as Ryan on speed dial
The business support you get … whether it’s Andrew Bassat the president
or other seriously influential business people
“They’ve obviously been very influential in the past … a lot of them donated to the facility that we have here today and in bringing the Saints back to Moorabbin
which is a really important step in our history
it really is our No.1 mission: our next flag
That’s what we are gearing everything towards
“A lot of work has gone into restructuring football
not only the playing list but off field and what Ross has brought to the table
“We have to rectify our position and stabilise ourselves so that we are a sustainable business model and football club in the long term
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter
The first game in the third season of Ross Lyon\\u2019s second coming at St Kilda didn\\u2019t pan out as the coach hoped
In what he described as an \\u201Cerratic\\u201D performance
On the other end was one of the Saints\\u2019 biggest powerbrokers: Gerry Ryan
Don\\u2019t change things after the first hurdle
That\\u2019s despite possessing serious star power on and off the field
Moorabbin has been home to some of the game\\u2019s greats \\u2013 the late Trevor Barker
Brownlow medallists Tony Lockett and Robert Harvey
Heavy hitters in the stands boast \\u201CPlugger\\u201D-like power and/or fame \\u2013 trucking magnate Lindsay Fox
\\u201CI think with Ross it\\u2019s taken him a couple of years to come in and undo what the previous management had done
and I was critical of the organisational structure of the club.\\u201D
He\\u2019s very successful and strong in his views and to be honest
it\\u2019s great to have a St Kilda person who\\u2019s aligned to the vision and the strategy
Because there are clubs that have people of Gerry\\u2019s influence and if they\\u2019re not aligned culturally
\\u201CIt\\u2019s nice to be fortified when seas get a bit rough and to have someone who\\u2019s unwavering in strategy and belief to build something.\\u201D
Ryan served as vice president of St Kilda in the \\u201990s and was pivotal in helping the club survive
That\\u2019s not to say there are no strings attached
\\u201CHe likes to know where that money is going,\\u201D said a club source
\\u201CAnd that\\u2019s OK because the club is always happy to tell him.\\u201D
Ryan thinks St Kilda\\u2019s two biggest mistakes were moving to Seaford and allowing Lyon to leave abruptly in 2011
It was in then CEO Michael Nettlefold\\u2019s office in Seaford in September 2011 that contract negotiations between Lyon and the Saints fell apart
\\u201CI flipped out,\\u201D Lyon recalled in a radio interview in 2022
\\u201CI rang [his then manager] Craig Kelly in the morning and said: \\u2018They can\\u2019t be trusted
I would rather dig ditches.\\u2019 He goes: \\u2018Settle down
\\u201CSo I went into my lawyer and said: \\u2018Mate
I\\u2019m done here\\u2019 \\u2013 and on the way in
that\\u2019s when an offer came in interestingly enough \\u2026 from St Kilda
I said: \\u2018This is what\\u2019s happened
Lyon then led the Dockers to four consecutive finals series \\u2013 including the 2013 grand final
we would have a premiership by now.\\u201D
the team\\u2019s form fell apart and the tide began to turn against Ratten
days after Ratten\\u2019s Saints had been handed their third consecutive loss at the hands of Sydney
former St Kilda president and Linfox founder Fox hosted the country\\u2019s elite on a cruise from New York to Montreal
It was an exclusive guest list capped at 400 people
On the boat were fellow billionaires Andrew \\u201CTwiggy\\u201D Forrest and Solomon Lew
who doesn\\u2019t have any personal association with St Kilda now (although one of his sons David still does)
and they weren\\u2019t on the 200-metre Seabourn Quest
\\u201CIt wasn\\u2019t on Lindsay\\u2019s boat
we didn\\u2019t even talk about the coach and I questioned why we were leaving him out there by himself without any support
\\u201CIt wasn\\u2019t his fault,\\u201D Ryan said of Ratten
St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena\\u2019s office sits in the north-western corner of the main building at Moorabbin
the wall of which is covered by plaques of club donors who contributed to the club\\u2019s home base
whose status is deeply ingrained in the club\\u2019s culture
To Dilena\\u2019s left is the car park and to the right are his staff
It\\u2019s hardly a bayside penthouse but outside the coach\\u2019s box
this is the Saints\\u2019 off-field engine room
Dilena knows what it\\u2019s like to be the chief executive of a financially struggling football club
overseeing Brad Scott\\u2019s reign as coach during which the Kangaroos played in consecutive preliminary finals
He also helped eradicate the club\\u2019s debilitating debt
he completed some \\u201Cdue diligence\\u201D
\\u201CThey\\u2019ll stuff something up then they\\u2019ll come back and ask to be bailed out,\\u201D he answered when asked what the AFL community\\u2019s opinion was
\\u201CI don\\u2019t want the Saints to have that reputation any more
We shouldn\\u2019t have that reputation.\\u201D
the Saints have for several years now been like Oliver Twist with his bowl
Which is why Dilena is so adamant the club\\u2019s $6.5 million bank debt will not be paid off by its rich and powerful supporters
But money and energy come second and third to Russell\\u2019s greatest passion
If you\\u2019re ever lucky enough to wander into the Saints rooms after a win
you\\u2019ll almost certainly catch a glimpse of Hollywood actor Eric Bana
\\u201CThere\\u2019s a lot to be said for earning your stripes in the AFL,\\u201D Dilena said
you have to be exciting to watch and that\\u2019s what we want to do
I don\\u2019t want to be putting my hand out to say
I think we as a club and as the administration have to take that on ourselves.\\u201D
He\\u2019s been a strong financial contributor to the club for decades
They\\u2019ve got to have a business plan and within that
There\\u2019s nothing wrong with having a bit of debt
as long as it\\u2019s being utilised and not wasted
\\u201CBut they are in as good a financial position as they have ever been
\\u201CThe board \\u2026 the management \\u2026 it\\u2019s the best the club has had for a long time
\\u201CWe\\u2019ve had so much success at [NRL club Melbourne] Storm
And it\\u2019s all about getting the right people in
And we feel we\\u2019ve got them now.\\u201D
list strategist Graeme \\u201CGubby\\u201D Allen and player manager Paul Connors sit in the middle of the restaurant
what\\u2019s on the agenda at the Mt Erica Hotel
\\u201CDefinitely not business!\\u201D laughs Bassat
Connors\\u2019 stable also manages the likes of Harley Reid and Luke Davies-Uniacke; the latter recently turned down a significant offer from the Saints
The Saints of 2025 make no secret of in the quest to add to their solitary 1966 premiership
There have also been mega offers for Carlton defender Jacob Weitering
On the potential recruitment of \\u201CTDK\\u201D and others
Ryan did not pretend to exert influence but said: \\u201CWhatever they do it\\u2019s about bringing in the right person with ability
The business support you get \\u2026 whether it\\u2019s Andrew Bassat the president
\\u201CThey\\u2019ve obviously been very influential in the past \\u2026 a lot of them donated to the facility that we have here today and in bringing the Saints back to Moorabbin
That\\u2019s what we are gearing everything towards
\\u201CA lot of work has gone into restructuring football
\\u201CWe have to rectify our position and stabilise ourselves so that we are a sustainable business model and football club in the long term
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country
St Kilda has finalised its 23-man squad to face the Dockers on Friday at Marvel Stadium
The team has received a boost as Mattaes Phillipou has been named to make his return to AFL football for the first time this year
An exclusive look at rising star Mattaes Phillipou as he gears up for 2025
The young star suffered a stress fracture in his femur during the preseason after a stunning finish to last season
and will make his first appearance for the side in a welcome addition
Hugh Boxshall will also make his long-awaited AFL debut in the red
After being drafted at pick no.45 in the 2024 National Draft
Boxshall announced himself to the Saints faithful over two impressive preseason practice matches
before being consistently named among the best on the field for the Sandringham Zebras over four games
Liam O'Connell has been named to return to the AFL side for the first time since Round 3
when he suffered a concussion against the Tigers
Mason Wood will sit out the clash against Fremantle after failing a SCAT-5 test in the loss to Brisbane
making way along with Zak Jones and Isaac Keeler
A young Saint's dream will come true on Friday night
FRUSTRATED St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has described the VFL Tribunal as a "broken system" following a lengthy suspension handed to draftee Alix Tauru and questioned the value of the competition to AFL clubs
Tauru was given a four-match ban at the VFL Tribunal for rough conduct and it was upheld after the Saints appealed
But with byes at the start and end of Tauru's four-week sanction
the 18-year-old is ineligible to play football for six weeks
Lyon compared the penalty for St Kilda's first-round draft pick to Richmond's Noah Balta
who was suspended for four matches as a result of the off-field incident that led to him being charged with assault
it's a broken system," Lyon said on Wednesday
but they know we've got a bye and then at the end of that there's another bye
How the Tribunal doesn't take into consideration that it's six weeks
Noah Balta got four weeks stand-down for an assault off the field
Top St Kilda draftee Alix Tauru can accept a four-week ban for this hit on Brisbane's Curtis McCarthy
there's just no consideration – as Paul Roos would say
In the spotlight last round for the spray he gave his players
most notably teenage midfielder Hugo Garcia
a still fired-up Lyon said AFL clubs would be better off running their own breakaway competition than fielding teams in the VFL
'Let's have a breakaway group from a 22-team competition and just have four or five clubs that play each other'," he said
"It's not worth the risk and there's no recompense or consideration or adjustment for the reality of a misaligned fixture of a feeder competition to the AFL so I am absolutely filthy
Cal Twomey and Riley Beveridge bring all the latest trade and draft news with a new segment on debut
"What I would like is for common sense to prevail here for a young player
the kid has been suspended for four and he'll miss six
how do you reckon his mental health is going at the minute
Gold Coast Academy’s Usher on her ACL injury
rehab battles and best friend Havana Harris
incredible misses and more in our look back on the April action of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership season
Three-time premiership coach Mick Malthouse gives host Bharat Sundaresan the rundown on how Australian football began
and how it became such a significant part of Australian culture
With a challenging month of away clashes ahead
Fremantle needs to find a way to win on the road if it's to seriously contend in 2025
Damian Barrett and Matthew Lloyd with the latest news and opinions from Round 8
Ken Hinkley says veteran Travis Boak will again be sidelined by a back injury when the Power play the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat
Check out the Rising Star for AFL’s Round 8
Will a hard tag from Jack Viney be the reason Harley Reid leaves the Eagles
Vote now on your favourite marks from Round 8 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season
In the spirit of reconciliation the AFL acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land
We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today
ST KILDA has held off a late surge from Port Adelaide to claim a famous 17-point win on the road and ensure it will finish the weekend in the top eight
The Saints banked a third consecutive win with a gutsy 13.11 (89) to 10.12 (72) triumph at Adelaide Oval
just their fourth win at the venue from 20 games played
with the win also ending a run of 14 losses from 15 matches against the Power
POWER v SAINTS Full match coverage and stats
After St Kilda led by 31 points late in the second term
the Power surged to within five points with eight minutes remaining in the game
But the spirited Saints responded with the next two majors - a classy long bomb from the influential Jack Sinclair followed by a Lance Collard conversion after a strong mark
powered by six consecutive goals in a first-quarter spree
is now entrenched in the top eight with three wins and a loss
Extended highlights of the Power and Saints clash in round four of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
Watch St Kilda’s press conference after round four’s match against Port Adelaide
Watch Port Adelaide’s press conference after round four’s match against St Kilda
The Power and Saints clash in round four of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
Two goals in a minute to Jack Sinclair & Lance Collard sees St Kilda earn a game-winning buffer
Ollie Lord makes the most of a free kick as emotions continue to run high for both sides
Mitch Georgiades gets some serious hangtime in this outrageous high-flying mark attempt in the third term
Liam Stocker lays a ferocious tackle and sees his hard work put to good use with a superb finish from Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Darcy Byrne-Jones collects Ryan Byrnes with some heavy contact in the opening term
Huge fireworks in the first term as the Power get stuck into Marcus Windhager after the Saint concedes a 50m penalty
Mitch Owens puts through this ripping goal to open his side’s account
But the Power have slipped to a precarious 1-3 ahead of a looming Gather Round clash against a white-hot Hawthorn
Saints forward Jack Higgins booted two of his goals in the first-term blitz and teammate Mitch Owens kicked two for the match
recruit Jack Macrae (28 possessions) and classy half-back Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (25 touches) were instrumental in the victory
Port's tall forwards Ollie Lord and Mitch Georgiades kicked three goals each
who also collected 28 possessions in a best-on-ground performance
Power vice-captain Zak Butters gathered 30 touches in his first game of the season since recovering from a knee injury and defender Miles Bergman (25 disposals) was busy
But the home side paid a huge price for their first-term lapse when unable to halt the Saints' six-goal burst
Port's Horne-Francis literally walked into an open goal for the initial major of the game after a 50m penalty against Saint Marcus Windhager for entering the protected zone
Power star Butters gave Windhager a serve which triggered a massive melee
Butters - already the League's most fined player - will likely cop another financial hit and so could about 20 other players
who kicked the next six goals in a 23-minute purple patch to create a 30-point lead
The visitors led 6.4 to 2.4 at quarter-time but the Power made inroads by booting the initial two goals in the second term to trail by 13 points
But the Saints kicked away again with three consecutive goals inside four minutes; Wanganeen-Milera goaled on the run from long range to put his side 31 points clear
but the home side rallied with three successive majors and when Lord goaled after a free kick
But Higgins converted a classy left-foot snap late to give his team a 17-point buffer at three-quarter time
Port then charged with Lord and Georgiades kicking goals to trail by just five points and hold all momentum
But Sinclair's brilliant goal on the run five minutes later steadied the Saints
who meet Greater Western Sydney next Sunday at Norwood Oval in Adelaide
Sarah Olle and Kane Cornes unpack the big issues from the round of footy
The greatest mark never?Mitch Georgiades did all the hard work
but couldn't quite get himself into folklore for taking one of the greatest marks you'll ever wish to see
The Power forward looks full of confidence at the moment and his sit on Anthony Caminiti - almost on his head
fines and more fines - expect plenty of them when the Match Review Officer delivers his verdict on Monday afternoon
It was a rare sight as almost every player on the ground was involved in a huge melee early in the first quarter
Darcy Byrne-Jones also has a nervous wait to see if he'll be sanctioned for this hit on Ryan Byrnes
who - thankfully - did not suffer a serious injury in the incident
Rozee in Saint's sightsThere was plenty of speculation surrounding who the Saints would send Marcus Windhager to and it was the Power skipper who got the clamp on Sunday
While Zak Butters (30 disposals in his first game of the season) and Jason Horne-Francis (28 and three goals) got plenty of the ball
Windhager's disposal let him down at times
but he did a brilliant job of minimising the impact of the Power captain
PORT ADELAIDE 2.4 5.7 8.10 10.12 (72)ST KILDA 6.4 9.6 11.8 13.11 (89)
SUBSTITUTESPort Adelaide: Joe Berry (replaced Logan Evans in the third quarter)St Kilda: Angus Hastie (replaced Isaac Keeler in the third quarter)
The Match Review findings for Saturday's round four games are in
It’s the Ross Lyon Cup at Marvel Stadium on Friday night with St Kilda hosting Fremantle
This is looks a great total to attack given St Kilda’s defensive woes
Uncharacteristically for a Ross Lyon-coached side
giving up 110+ points in each of their last three games
Freo have shown they can score when given the opportunity
putting 97+ points on the board in three of their last five games
Nine of their last ten games away from WA have also gone over the total
These are two of the lowest-pressure sides in the competition
each ranking in the bottom four for tackle differential
With St Kilda’s four games at Marvel this season averaging 191 points
expect these teams to pile on the goals on Friday night
Jack Higgins has become the most reliable 2+ goal kicker in the AFL
Josh Treacy has kicked 2+ in eight of nine with Freo as faves
No team gives up more centre clearances than St Kilda so Andrew Brayshaw should bring up his fourth straight 30+ touch game
He had 29 in each of the two previous to that as well
St Kilda’s games at Marvel have been shootouts this season
Betseeker’s expert tipsters have you covered for the best AFL tips
The weekend concludes with the biggest Q-Clash yet with Brisbane taking on Gold Coast at the Gabba
In between two ripping derbies on Sunday sits this stinker between fourth-placed Hawthorn and 16th placed Richmond
The first Sydney derby of 2025 sees the Giants comfortable favourites to beat the Swans at the SCG
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we have more than three decades of industry experience with major bookies including TAB
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ST KILDA first-round draft pick Alix Tauru has been banned for four matches after a VFL Tribunal hearing on Tuesday night
Tauru was on Monday banned for rough conduct and offered a base sanction of four matches for an early guilty plea
In challenging the ban at the Tribunal on Tuesday night
there was a possibility the teenager could be hit with a longer suspension
Despite the guilty verdict at the Tribunal
the VFL announced on Tuesday night that the ban remains at four games
The front-on contact incident between Tauru and Brisbane's Curtis McCarthy at RSEA Park on Saturday was graded careless
and it's understood the Lion was concussed
State League bans carry through to the AFL
meaning Tauru won't be eligible for selection for a month in either competition
and the Saints have a bye in both the AFL and VFL in the first week of that month
It means the earliest he could return is the second week of June
He was unavailable for selection in the first few weeks of the season as he recovered from a long-term stress fracture in his back
He was taken by the Saints with pick No.10 in last year's Telstra AFL Draft
Paul Guerra will be Melbourne's new permanent chief executive
but the businessman won't fill the role until later this year
St Kilda has named its 26-man extended squad ahead of Sunday's clash with GWS at Norwood Oval
Liam Henry has been named in the extended squad for the first time this season following recovery from a knee injury suffered in 2024
Henry has featured three times for Sandringham in the VFL to begin the year as he built his match fitness after nine months away from competitive action
He is joined in the extended squad by skipper Jack Steele
who has been named on the field as he aims to return for his first game since Round 2
Henry is joined on the extended bench by rookie Hugh Boxshall
The game will be played at 3:20pm AEST on Sunday, and will be broadcast live on Channel 7, 7plus and Kayo.
Honouring the past with eyes towards an ambitious future. Learn more about our new Crest.
A new chapter of Saints Footy is coming! Join the march with a 2025 membership.
The 2025 fixture has landed! Check out where and when you can see the Saints in 2025.
Get the latest Saints merchandise, both in-store and online.
Jaimee Lambert has clinched her second Best & Fairest in St Kilda colours.
A considerable amount has changed between Jack Sinclair’s football career and his grandfather's, however the red, white and black and an iteration of the famed club Crest have persisted.
A new era for St Kilda Football Club has begun, with the club today unveiling its modernised club Crest to take the red, white and black into 2025 and beyond.
Emerging Saint Hugo Garcia has been rewarded for a strong performance on Friday night.
Your donation will impact lives. Help us build a resilient community through various programs and initiatives championed by the Danny Frawley Centre.
Jack Macrae has polled a perfect 10 coaches votes in the Saints' big win over the Dockers on Friday night.
All you need to know for the Saints' Gather Round clash with the Giants in Round 5.
Lenny Hayes delivers Hugo Garcia the news of his Rising Star nomination.
Re-live all the goals from our huge win against Fremantle.
Senior coach Ross Lyon discusses the Saints' big win over the Dockers.
Cooper Sharman delivers an unforgettable performance with four goals, featuring a towering speccy and a Goal of the Year contender.
St Kilda Football Club wishes to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which the club sits. The club pays its respects to elders past, present and emerging, and through them, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples whose lands and waters we work, live and reside on.
ABC NewsCopy linkKey EventFri
12:59pmFri 2 May 2025 at 12:59pm'Of course I'm going to question myself'
says Longmuir after lossCBy Chris De Silva
Justin Longmuir is arguably the most under-pressure coach in the AFL right now
He admits that he'll be asking some serious questions of himself after that performance
"I think everyone at the football club at the moment should be questioning themselves," he said
"The first thing I look at after a performance like that
I'm not sitting here blaming the players
"I've got to look at my own performance this week and am I contributing to us being an inconsistent team
so of course I'm going to question myself
"You can't just sit here and say it's all on the players."
12:52pmFri 2 May 2025 at 12:52pm'I'm concerned about our consistency': Longmuir on Dockers performanceCBy Chris De Silva
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir with some pointed words about his team's performance tonight
"I'm concerned about our consistency
"Whether that's on emotion or not
ReactReactCopy linkFri
12:24pmFri 2 May 2025 at 12:24pmSaints sing it loud and proud after a convincing winCBy Chris De Silva
12:14pmFri 2 May 2025 at 12:14pmFT: St Kilda 14.10 (94) beats Fremantle 5.3 (33)CBy Chris De Silva
A signature win for the Saints that comes right out of the Ross Lyon playbook
The Saints simply strangled the life out of the Dockers tonight
even thought the Dockers' offensive game wasn't very inspiring throughout the match
There will be some serious questions asked about Fremantle after this one
They've travelled to Victoria three times now and three times they've laid an absolute egg
"There is a fragility still about them
and unfortunately it's in their own minds as well," says Jason Dunstall of Fremantle's performance
St Kilda's efforts were led by Jack Macrae (38 disposals and 14 clearances)
while Cooper Sharman was outstanding up forward with four goals
Fremantle's midfield was absolutely annihilated out there tonight
the contested possession count 151-103 and the inside 50 count 61-34
Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong both held under 20 disposals
I wonder was when the last time that happened
12:09pmFri 2 May 2025 at 12:09pmSt Kilda's sub Travaglia unused tonightCBy Chris De Silva
It looks like Tobie Travaglia is not going to have any game time tonight
He's got his arms tied on the bench with the sub t-shirt still on
12:08pmFri 2 May 2025 at 12:08pmOwens snaps through his third as Saints add to leadCBy Chris De Silva
It's raining goals for the Saints now in the second half
Mitch Owens pounces on a loose ball and snaps beautifully over his left shoulder
There is going to be some serious questions asked about this Fremantle performance
Justin Longmuir's press conference will be very interesting
12:06pmFri 2 May 2025 at 12:06pmGarcia snaps through another goal for the SaintsCBy Chris De Silva
This is incredible forward 50 defence from the Saints
Around eight different players tried to clear that ball for Freo
and eventually the ball ends in the hands of Hugo Garcia
The margin is now 55 points St Kilda's way
It has been an absolutely filthy performance from the Dockers
12:04pmFri 2 May 2025 at 12:04pmSteele gets in on the act as Saints continue to add to leadCBy Chris De Silva
Jack Steele nails a set shot from 45m out directly in front after another lovely bit of ball movement in the lead-up from the Saints
This has been an outstanding performance from Ross Lyon's side
I haven't seen numbers like this in a long
12:00pmFri 2 May 2025 at 12:00pmAmiss gives Fremantle the lead over SharmanCBy Chris De Silva
Jye Amiss kicks his second goal of the quarter after the Dockers get a downfield free kick
That was the first time all night Fremantle had some run and carry through the middle of the ground in the lead-up to that goal
Amiss' goal means Fremantle has a one-point lead over Cooper Sharman now
11:51amFri 2 May 2025 at 11:51amSharman continues dominant night against FreoCBy Chris De Silva
Cooper Sharman has four goals and once again retakes the lead over Fremantle
Bradley Hill had a long kick inside 50 and Sharman takes another contested mark from close range
He's been absolute dynamite aerially tonight
Give him any chance to run and fly at the footy and he's taking the mark
Here's what the Sharman vs Fremantle scoreboard currently looks like:
11:45amFri 2 May 2025 at 11:45amAmiss gets goal number three for FremantleCBy Chris De Silva
Jye Amiss has his first goal of the night and Fremantle's third of the match
The Dockers win a rare clearance as Serong and Brayshaw link up from a stoppage in the middle and the ball ends up in the hands of Amiss inside 50
Amiss goes back and drills the set shot to give the Dockers a brief glimmer of hope
There's still plenty of time left on the clock
Can the Dockers string a few quick goals together
11:44amFri 2 May 2025 at 11:44amOwens adds to Saints lead after outmuscling PearceCBy Chris De Silva
It is all coming up Saints as Mitch Owens drills a set shot from an acute angle to extend his side's lead to 45 points
Owens found himself one on one with Fremantle captain Alex Pearce
and just nudged him under the ball to take a diving mark
Owens bows to the crowd in celebration after that terrific finish
He's on the verge of being the second Saints player to outscore the Dockers by himself
11:42amFri 2 May 2025 at 11:42am'They think they're trying and they're not': Lyon blasts FreoCBy Chris De Silva
Garry Lyon has dished out some gems on Fremantle's effort tonight
and here's another at three-quarter time
He's got some real disappointed dad energy right now in the Fox Footy commentary box
they think they're trying and they're not," he says
11:37amFri 2 May 2025 at 11:37am3QT: St Kilda 8.6 (54) leads Fremantle 2.3 (15)CBy Chris De Silva
The siren mercifully sounds and ends a quarter to forget in what has been a night to forget for Fremantle
The Dockers are lucky to not be behind by more after Cooper Sharman missed a regulation set shot from directly in front 25m out from goal
Sharman helped the Saints split the game apart by kicking three goals in the quarter
and he's outscored the Dockers by himself
Wanganeen-Milera leads all players with 23 disposals while Macrae has 22 disposals and seven clearances
Brayshaw and Serong have combined for 25 disposals and six clearances through three quarters
11:32amFri 2 May 2025 at 11:32amSharman drills a miracle goal from the boundaryCBy Chris De Silva
Cooper Sharman rips out the '05 Jason Akermanis celebration after kicking one of the best goals you'll see this season
He's being tackled by Josh Draper deep in the pocket and just flings the ball onto the boot and it dribbles through inside the left-hand goal post
The Saints have completely split this game open now with four goals to one in the quarter
"There's no denying they've been out-toughed
that's the embarrassing thing," says Garry Lyon on commentary
Sharman's third quarter effort has outscored what Fremantle has done for the entire match
11:27amFri 2 May 2025 at 11:27amCollard and Higgins combine for another Saints goalCBy Chris De Silva
St Kilda splitting this game open a little now as Jack Higgins sets up a goal for Lance Collard from close range
Fremantle slowly letting go of the rope here
Their midfield has been absolutely SMASHED tonight
the Saints lead the contested possession count 109-73
the clearance count 34-13 including 7-1 in centre clearances and the inside 50s 42-27
I reckon Justin Longmuir might tear some strips off the wall with the bake he's going to give Freo after this one
Garry Lyon calls the performance "listless" now from the Dockers
He's used just about every single negative connotation he's got in his playbook tonight to describe this Freo performance
11:17amFri 2 May 2025 at 11:17amSharman doubles up in the third quarterCBy Chris De Silva
After scrounging and scrounging for a goal
It was a hacked kick inside 50 from Jack Macrae and it lands in the hands of the leading Cooper Sharman
Sharman goes back and makes no mistake on the set shot and restores St Kilda's 26-point lead
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir coaching from the bench at the moment
11:15amFri 2 May 2025 at 11:15amDudley ends Fremantle's big goal droughtCBy Chris De Silva
Isaiah Dudley crumbs perfectly at the front of a big marking contest involving Jye Amiss
and that's Fremantle's first goal in a quarter and a half
Finally some fast ball movement from the Dockers with Narkle
Bolton and Brayshaw combining to get the ball inside 50 before St Kilda's defence could get set
The Dockers have been smashed in the clearance battle where the Saints currently lead 30-12
"I haven't seen it that lopsided
that doesn't happen in modern day football," says Jason Dunstall
11:13amFri 2 May 2025 at 11:13amSharman kicks Saints further ahead after monster grabCBy Chris De Silva
Cooper Sharman drills a fourth straight goal for St Kilda and the margin is out to a game-high 26 points
"They just might be broken," says Jason Dunstall of Fremantle's effort
The Dockers look really frustrated with each other after Sharman's massive contested mark at the top of the goalsquare
"This is now at the stage where it's embarrassing
the more embarrassing it gets," Garry Lyon adds
"That can prompt one of two reactions - you go into your shell and start worrying about the fallout or you get a response."
CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced
AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Season 2025 begins as St Kilda heads to Adelaide Oval for a Round 1 showdown with the Crows
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the clash
Adelaide v St KildaSunday 16 MarchAdelaide Oval
12:35pm AEDTGates open: 10:30amBroadcast: Live on Fox Footy & Kayo
Secure your tickets for Sunday’s game in Adelaide
If you are a Saints member who has purchased tickets through Ticketek
you can add your tickets to your smartphone wallet via the Ticketek app now
The Member Zone is a dedicated online space to link St Kilda members with all the information they need to get the most out of their memberships
Click here to access our Member Zone
Make getting to and from the game easy with Adelaide Metro’s Footy Express. Leave the car at home and travel for FREE on all Footy Express bus, train and tram with your game day ticket. Visit the Adelaide Metro website for more information
Casual parking will be available payable by card on entry (subject to availability) in the following locations from 9:30am:
Oval #2 (public parking) – access via Montefiore Road
southboundUniversity Lane (public parking) – access via Pennington TerraceTorrens Parade Ground (public parking) – access via Victoria DriveNorth Car Park (limited public and accessible parking) – access via Pennington TerraceEast Car Park (permit parking only) – access via King William Road
War Memorial Drive: 9:00am – 4:15pm King William Road: 2:25pm – 4:15pm (full closure for AO Express) Pennington Terrace: 2:25pm – 4:15pmNorth Terrace: 2:40pm – 4:15pm Victoria Street to King William Road
SA Saints Supporter Group is hosting a pre-game breakfast function right around the corner from Adelaide Oval
where all supporters and fans are welcomed and encouraged to come together.The event will feature an exclusive football update from the club’s Executive General Manager of Football – David Misson
guest appearance from Chief Executive Officer Carl Dilena
an exciting raffle and more before heading to the match
16 MarchLocation: Historic Lounders Boatshed CaféAddress: 1018 Victoria Dve
Tickets are $10 per person, please click here to purchase and for further function information.If you have any further questions regarding the function, please contact Mark Tenny (SA Saints Supporter Group Leader) via sainttenny@gmail.com
Get all your red, white and black gear sorted before the game, exclusively through Saints Locker online
Follow St Kilda's official social media channels for all the latest news and behind-the-scenes action on game day
Join the conversation and show your support through Instagram
TikTok and X by using the official hashtags #AFLCrowsSaints and #SaintsFooty
Visit the official Saints Match Centre for live in-game stats
St Kilda Football Club and 1Cover have joined forces for season 2025
We continue our stay in Adelaide for Round 5
facing the GWS GIANTS at Norwood Oval as part of Gather Round this Sunday
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match
ROUND 5 St Kilda v GWS GIANTSSunday 13 April Norwood Oval
3:20pm AEST / 2:50pm ACST Broadcast on Seven
Tickets are SOLD OUT for Sunday’s game in Adelaide
Click here for information on Norwood Oval and public transport options ahead of our Sunday match against GWS GIANTS
Join fellow Sainters and the SA Saints Supporter Group from 12pm
Norwood - just 4 mins from Norwood Oval) before we take on the GWS GIANTS this Sunday 13 April
Get all your red, white and black gear sorted before the game, exclusively through Saints Locker online
TikTok and X by using the official hashtags #SaintsFooty
Visit the official Saints Match Centre for live in-game stats
St Kilda Football Club is proud to announce a new partnership with Good Drinks Australia
Miller Genuine Draft and Miller Chill to AFL for the first time
This exciting multi-year partnership will see Miller become the official beer partner of the Saints
with opportunities for fans to enjoy refreshing Miller Genuine Draft and Miller Chill at Marvel Stadium and club events
“We’re thrilled to welcome Good Drinks Australia and Miller to our football club,” St Kilda Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Mike Scott said
we’re always striving to be at the forefront of innovation
so being part of this exciting chapter in Miller’s story is something we’re incredibly proud of
“Miller Genuine Draft and Miller Chill are iconic global brands
and we’re thrilled to be chosen as the vehicle to introduce them to the Australian market.”
Head of Commercial Partnerships at Good Drinks Australia Dan Moraday echoed this enthusiasm
highlighting the strategic importance of the deal
“We’re excited to partner with such an iconic AFL club as St Kilda,” Moraday said
“Miller Genuine Draft and Miller Chill are globally recognised brands
and this partnership is an excellent way to bring ‘Miller Time’ to fans in Victoria and across Australia
“We’re proud to be part of the Saints’ journey
and we’re confident this will be a long and successful partnership.” The Saints partnership
alongside Miller’s strong presence in Victoria
marks an important step in expanding the brand’s footprint in the Australian market
promotions and opportunities to enjoy the ice-cold taste of Miller Genuine Draft and Miller Chill throughout the season
St Kilda now joins an elite roster of Australian professional sporting clubs in Good Drinks Australia’s sponsorship portfolio
which includes partnerships with the Adelaide 36ers
AFL.com.au's Josh Gabelich spent a day at St Kilda
The Saints return to the Docklands for Round 6
facing the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Easter Sunday
ROUND 6 St Kilda v Western Bulldogs Sunday 20 April Marvel Stadium
Secure your tickets for Sunday’s game at Marvel Stadium
If you are a Saints member who has purchased tickets through Ticketmaster
you can add your tickets to your smartphone wallet via the Ticketmaster app now
Answer 3 questions before the clock runs out
Nail all three and you're in the draw to win a $100 Saints Locker voucher
Click here to access our Member Zone
Flinders Street (eastbound) is closed between Elizabeth and Swanston streets – something to keep in mind for those heading through the city
Get all your red, white and black gear sorted before the game, exclusively through Saints Locker online
Enjoy three goals from your back-to-back Sainter of the Round
Saints footy is back at Marvel Stadium for the first time in 2025
St Kilda v Geelong Cats Saturday 22 March Marvel Stadium
7:35pm AEDT Broadcast on Fox Footy & Kayo
Gates open: 5:30pm Warm-up: 6:50pm Team entry: 7:21pm
Secure your tickets for Saturday’s game at Marvel Stadium
Members can scan into the match using their physical membership card or mobile membership via the Saints Official App
More information regarding mobile ticketing can be found here
Please be sure to add your ticket to your wallet before arriving at the ground
Round 2 tickets are available for Reserved Bay members to pre-book
or General Admission access members who wish to upgrade their seat using their 12-digit barcode
For all important information related to match day access and mobile memberships, please click here.
please visit the Saints Membership Team who will be located inside the Club Hub at Gate 5
Can’t make the game? Forward your ticket to a mate via the Saints App! Please click here for instructions
As a courtesy to your fellow members’ matchday experience and to maintain a ‘Saints friendly’ area
we request that members only forward their tickets to other St Kilda supporters
In 2025 members have the opportunity to share in the thrill of a Saints home game by redeeming two FREE General Admission guest passes
Redeeming your passes is super easy this year. Just hop onto your Saints App, pick the home game you want to see, and unlock your passes in no time. For more instructions, please click here
Need help with your St Kilda Football Club membership
View our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Click here to access our Member Zone
Gate 7 is your destination for all your exclusive Saints merchandise from Saints Locker
Saturday night is a great time to redeem your 2025-member voucher
so head down and chat to our friendly staff from 5:45pm at either to collect your 2025-member cap
You can also shop the full members range via Saints Locker online
including a signed 2025 Saints guernsey at today’s match
It’s all thanks to Westinghouse and it’s happening right now
Try to fill the Westinghouse fridge by kicking toy groceries and land them in the correct spots
Head over now to the inflatable fridge inside Gate 5 by the Super-Store for your chance to win
We’ll also be around for the rest of the season
Visit the official Saints Match Centre for live in-game stats
Our 23-man squad has been finalised for Saturday's clash against the Cats at Marvel Stadium
We begin our South Australian road trip this weekend facing the Power at Adelaide Oval on Sunday
St Kilda v Port Adelaide Sunday 6 April Adelaide Oval
Gates open: 1:45PM AEST First bounce: 3:20PM AEST
Secure your tickets for Sunday’s game in Adelaide
Make getting to and from the game easy with Adelaide Metro’s Footy Express. Leave the car at home and travel for FREE on all Footy Express bus, train and tram with your game day ticket. Visit the Adelaide Metro website for more information
Casual parking will be available payable by card on entry (subject to availability) in the following locations from 9:30am:
southbound University Lane (public parking) – access via Pennington Terrace Torrens Parade Ground (public parking) – access via Victoria Drive North Car Park (limited public and accessible parking) – access via Pennington Terrace East Car Park (permit parking only) – access via King William Road
King William Road: 5:10pm – 7:15pm (full closure for AO Express)
North Terrace: 5:25pm – 7:15pm Victoria Street to King William Road
Join the SA Saints for an Exclusive Evening with St Kilda Legend Robert Harvey
The SA Saints Supporter Group invites you to a special event at Norwood Football Club the evening before our clash against Port Adelaide
Hear Robert Harvey share stories from his legendary career
and his insights on the Saints in 2025 as an assistant coach
Enjoy an unforgettable night with past players
Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow Saints fans
please click here to book and for further event information
Get all your red, white and black gear sorted before the game, exclusively through Saints Locker online
Visit the official Saints Match Centre for live in-game stats
Watch the best bits from the Saints and Tigers in round 3
RSEA Park comes alive again this Saturday as the Saints and the Power go head-to-head as part of the AAMI Community Series
so make sure to get down to our spiritual home for an afternoon of spectacular Saints Footy
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
PLEASE NOTE: Buses will be replacing trains on the Frankston line between Parliament Station and Caulfield Station from Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March. See information on disruptions here.
We strongly encourage utilising public transport to get to Saturday's match at RSEA Park. Moorabbin Railway Station is only a five-minute walk from the venue, so make sure to get yourself to the game on time via PTV's Journey Planner.
Parking is extremely limited around the venue
please be mindful and respectful of local area residents near RSEA Park
A traffic management plan will be in place to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians in the area
while parking inspectors are also expected to patrol the area
To report any illegal parking or issues which may arise
Children and club members with entry entitlements will receive free entry to the game
As we are expecting a big crowd at our AAMI Community series match against Port Adelaide on Saturday at RSEA Park
we strongly recommend members use their exclusive pre-season barcode to upgrade for $5 to guarantee entry
please contact the Saints membership team on 03 9967 4388 (during business hours)
Get your tickets for the 2025 AAMI Community Series here
Members' ability to scan into the match is subject to capacity
gates will be closed should capacity be reached
We also recommend non-members purchase a ticket (or a membership!) ahead of attending
While access for children under 14 is free
they MUST redeem a ticket in advance of the match
Any junior without a pre-purchased ticket will not be permitted access to the match
The AFL's venue guidelines states the following are prohibited from bringing inside the venue:
Make sure to swing past Saints Locker store and marquee from 1:30pm until 30 minutes post-match to stock up on all your red
white and black merch ahead of Season 2025
Stickman returns with the arrival of our brand-new Stickman training guernseys
There are plenty of food and beverage options at all corners of RSEA Park this Saturday
There's plenty of fun activities happening in and around RSEA Park this Saturday
make sure to swing past the below to bring your game day experience to the next level
Join the conversation and show your support through Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X by using the official hashtags #SaintsFooty and #AFLSaintsPort
Visit the official Saints Match Centre for live in-game stats
these five games stand out as exciting fixtures in the 2025 season
Join us for our the 10th and final Maddie's Match this Saturday when we take on Richmond in our Round 3 match up at Marvel Stadium
St Kilda v Richmond Saturday 25 March Marvel Stadium
4:15pm AEDT Broadcast on Fox Footy & Kayo
Gates open: 2:30pm Warm-up: 3:30pm Team entry: 4:01pm
Our Round 3 game will celebrate 10 years of our partnership with Maddie’s Vision and the final Maddie’s Match
Help us raise $50,000 so Maddie’s Vision can continue their important mission funding vital medical research and providing essential support services to patients and their families
Secure your tickets for Saturday’s game at Marvel Stadium
Round 3 tickets are available for Reserved Bay members to pre-book
it is the perfect time to grab your own purple beanie or scarf
stock is limited so head down and chat to our friendly staff from 2:30pm to support
We will also have member item collection available from the Gate 5 Kiosk up until the start of the match
Visit the official Saints Match Centre for live in-game stats
St Kilda stuns Geelong with an incredible win under the roof
Our 23-man squad has been finalised for Saturday's clash against the Tigers at Marvel Stadium
is proud to announce a milestone partnership with one of Australia’s most respected mental health organisations
This strategic collaboration marks a significant step forward for the Danny Frawley Centre (DFC) and will supercharge the capacity of the centre
the DFC will also now serve as the Victorian base of operations for Black Dog Institute - expanding the reach and impact of both the DFC’s and BDI’s mental health and wellbeing programs
strengthening the scientific foundation of the Centre
and enabling greater support for individuals and communities across the state
St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena said the partnership represents a defining moment in honouring Danny Frawley’s legacy
“After five years of building both Spud’s Game and the Danny Frawley Centre into platforms for real impact
we’re incredibly proud to take this next step with Black Dog Institute,” Dilena said
“We’re excited to partner with an organisation that’s not only deeply established but grounded in science and research
we want to make a real difference in improving the mental health of Australians - which is exactly what Spud would’ve wanted.”
Chelsea Frawley explains the significance of St Kilda's (through the Danny Frawley Centre) milestone partnership with Black Dog Institute
Black Dog Institute is one of Australia’s leading mental health research centres
the Institute brings deep expertise in prevention
ensuring that every program delivered through the DFC is scientifically informed
and designed to deliver better mental health outcomes for all Australians
“The partnership with St Kilda and the Danny Frawley Centre gives us a unique opportunity to combine the power of sport with the science of mental health - to ignite meaningful conversations
and ensure every Australian has the support they need to thrive,” Black Dog Institute Executive Director and Chief Scientist Professor Sam Harvey said
“Danny’s legacy lives on through the incredible work already underway at the Centre
and we’re proud to play a role in carrying that vision forward
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to deliver real
lasting impact and better mental health for all Australians.”
Introducing our first ever Spud’s Guernsey to be worn at the MCG against Carlton in Round 9
In alignment with this exciting new chapter
Spud’s Game returns for its fifth year in Round 9
when the Saints and Blues face off under Friday night lights at the MCG on 9 May
What began as a heartfelt tribute to Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley has grown into a powerful platform for mental health awareness and change that continues to resonate across the AFL community and beyond
“Announcing our partnership with Black Dog Institute is just one of many exciting elements of this year’s Spud’s Game
and we look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks,” Dilena said
Now firmly established as a fixture on the AFL calendar, Spud’s Game is not one to be missed. To secure your spot at this year’s game you can purchase a special-edition four game membership, including access to the game and the official 2025 Spud’s Game Scarf, for only $160. For more information or to purchase click here.
All you need to know for the Saints' Easter Sunday clash with the Bulldogs in Round 6.
A slow start has seen St Kilda fall to Port Adelaide in its final pre-season outing ahead of the 2025 season.
Port kept the Saints goalless in the first quarter and held firm for a 14.9 (93) to 7.7 (49) win.
While the Saints improved after half-time they were outplayed and outworked early, giving coach Ross Lyon plenty to ponder ahead of their round one game on March 16 against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
>> SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE SCORES AND GOALKICKERS
Mitch Owens was taken from the game after suffering an injured shoulder in the second term.
Power ruckman Jordon Sweet gave Owens a nudge before the Saints forward collided with Miles Bergman, a couple of minutes before half-time.
Fellow Saints forward Cooper Sharman also went off in the third term with a hand injury.
The Saints and Power clash in the AAMI Community Series
Former Western Bulldogs onballer Jack Macrae had 32 disposals for the Saints, as forward Isaac Keeler pressed for a senior debut with his impressive second half.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was as dangerous as ever with 20 disposals, while skipper Jack Steele worked hard for 22 disposals and four tackles.
Former Bulldog Jack Macrae (32 disposals and six clearances) showed just why he made the move to the Saints with his impact in the middle. Hugh Boxshall (15 disposals and two goals), Liam O'Connell (eight and five intercept possessions) and Max Hall (nine disposals and a goal) showed good signs and could debut early in 2025, while Harry Boyd (10 disposals and 18 hitouts) fought hard against two Power rucks.
ST KILDA 0.1 1.4 4.6 7.7 (49)PORT ADELAIDE 6.3 8.3 11.6 14.9 (93)
GOALSSt Kilda: Higgins 2, Boxshall 2, Wilson, Keeler, HallPort Adelaide: Rioli 3, Powell-Pepper 2, Lukosius 2, Byrne-Jones 2, Sweet, Rozee, Richards, Lord, Georgiades
BESTSt Kilda: Macrae, Boxshall, Wilson, Garcia, SteelePort Adelaide: Rozee, Horne-Francis, Finlayson, Bergman, Lukosius, Wines
INJURIESSt Kilda: Owens (shoulder), Sharman (hand)Port Adelaide: Nil
The 26-man squad has been named for our AAMI Community Series clash against the Power at RSEA Park.
Tips and predictions for AFL Round 8By SEN
Round 8 kicks off on Thursday night with Essendon and North Melbourne clashing at Marvel Stadium
St Kilda hosts Fremantle in the second Marvel night fixture of the weekend on Friday before a stacked Saturday highlighted by Collingwood v Geelong at the MCG
Sunday sees the Sydney Derby between the Swans and GWS at the SCG and the Q-Clash between Brisbane and Gold Coast to wrap things up
Check out our tips and predictions for each game below
Two solid wins against Port Adelaide and Melbourne were enough to suggest that Essendon have what it takes to perform at the top level
however a horror scare against the Eagles and a 41-point Anzac Day defeat to the Pies left a lot to be desired
With growing confidence in youngsters Nate Caddy and Zach Reid
and the continued stardom of captain Zach Merrett
the Bombers will continue to prove a challenging fixture across the course of the season
While their 1-6 record might ring alarm bells
North Melbourne can still salvage plenty from their season
With ongoing questions of coach Alastair Clarkson’s ability to steer the young list in the right direction
the Kangaroos put on a well-fought contest over Anzac Day weekend
Falling by just nine points to Port Adelaide
North’s 11-goal-to-seven run in the final three quarters was a strong sign of the side’s capability to compete
the Roos will need their forwards to step up in his absence
both the Roos and the Bombers have a great deal to play for
North Melbourne will view this contest as a very winnable game
particularly after the Bombers barely squeezed by the winless Eagles
however there is no denying that their solid performance against the Power will build confidence
Essendon’s Anzac Day loss will hurt given their advantage in the third term
but a strong contest against the competition’s top team
and with a young core finding their stride
makes it three losses in a row for St Kilda
the Saints have found themselves up against sides that finished second to sixth on last year’s ladder as well as having three matches in South Australia
They now have three of their next four in Victoria against sides that finished around them so these next few weeks will be telling for where they stand
Another dismal outing on Friday night would make for an interesting post-match
the Dockers have won four of their next five games
Add to this the addition of Luke Jackson playing alongside Sean Darcy for the first time on Friday and it poses a big threat to a low-on-confidence St Kilda
Justin Longmuir seems to have his side back on track after a mishap against Melbourne but a trip to Marvel Stadium for one of two games this year could aid the Saints chances
There are two St Kilda’s we’ve seen this year; one that is capable of stopping the likes of Geelong
and one that looks lifeless and disorganised
After three weeks of the latter I think we are due for a response
particularly with the return of fiery Ross Lyon in the build-up
In front of the eyes of the footy world on a Friday night
it’s a chance for both of these teams to prove their game styles can be attractive viewing
A close one under the lid would deliver the goods
Prickly Ross is back and he will be intent on a strong showing against hid old club
Despite all the challenges the team has faced from a personnel viewpoint
Luke Beveridge has the Doggies absolutely humming
They went to Canberra last week and dismantled one of the league’s best defensive outfits
becoming the first team this season to put 100-plus points on the Giants
leaning on their small-to-medium forwards in James Harmes (four goals) and Rhylee West (three goals)
Captain Marcus Bontempelli has hit the ground running after injury and Joel Freijah is a rapidly-rising star
Port Adelaide’s early-season renaissance continued in Round 7
getting the business done by nine points over North Melbourne
It was a fiery affair which largely centred around the Roos’ former No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis
‘JHF’ overcame the close checking of his old colleagues to help guide the Power to a third win in a row
Zak Butters has been dominant in his four games back from a knee injury and with captain Connor Rozee starring at half-back
things are looking good for Ken Hinkley and Josh Carr
The Dogs are in great shape right now and seem to be in absolute control of their game
They are two of the form teams of the competition with the winner looking to establish themselves in the top eight
Port have won the past four matchups including the two meetings in Ballarat (2017 and 2018)
while the Dogs have won four of their past five at MARS Stadium overall
but Bevo’s Bulldogs seem to have a few more gears
That’s the big question leading into this game
Both sides are capable of blistering footy at their best but can lose to just about anyone on an off day
the Blues absolutely get the nod with three wins in their last three games
while the Crows are 1-3 over the last month after starting the season hot
you’d expect the Crows – who have the league’s best offence – to blow Carlton out of the water as they couldn’t put a winning score on the board
That’s changed in recent weeks with the Blues averaging 122 points per game in their last three
two of those games came against the Eagles and Kangaroos
If Carlton can keep that scoring momentum up
then they have every chance of keeping up with the Crows
Adelaide’s forward line still probably scores north of 85 points
While other contenders have failed against the Magpies this year
Cats coach Chris Scott will no doubt throw something different at them from a gameplan perspective
the Magpies have strangled teams defensively out wide while scoring freely through the corridor
If the Cats can get through that zone and take away some of their opposition’s attacking threat
they’ve got enough inside their forward line to get the job done
One area which will obviously be crucial is the midfield
an area where Geelong fell short against Carlton
With the way Nick Daicos and Steele Sidebottom are playing
the Cats will need to slow some of their influence and Tom Atkins will probably be the man to go to the Brownlow Medal favourite
But if the Cats get on top on ball and feed the likes of Jeremy Cameron
Patrick Dangerfield and Tyson Stengle enough
it’s hard to pick against Craig McRae’s side at the moment
Although they come in to this game winless
the Eagles OFFENSIVELY have started to show better signs in the most recent weeks
Three times this season they’ve scored 75 points
with two of those coming in the last two weeks
And apart from the 50 point defeat to the Hawks last week
they’ve had more moments recently that show signs of a team that is getting closer to getting that first win of the year
who have won three of their past four matches just quietly
is much better then what both Port Adelaide AND Melbourne were able to achieve when they had to play them during the past month
then this should definitely convince you to rethink your tip
The last time the Demons had to play the Eagles in Perth was last season in Round 10
where West Coast won comfortably to the tune of 35 points
A game in which Melbourne came in with a record of 6-3…
the Eagles have been the Round 8 masters since the year 2000
winning 18 of the past 25 matches in that round
You’ve got to give credit to Melbourne though however
Two wins from their past two games and things do start to look like they’re beginning to click for the 2021 premiers
we can’t quickly forget that this side is still trying to evolve into something different
There will be plenty of highs and lows for this Melbourne side this year
their recent high will take a pause this week as the footy gods find a way to give the Eagles (and Andrew McQualter) their first win of the season
Sunday’s Sydney Derby sees two sides entering with plenty to prove
The Swans have failed to defend their minor premiership
winning just two of their first seven games in 2025
While injuries have certainly crippled the club
performances have left a lot to be desired under Dean Cox
with a clear inability to put points on the board
Currently fifth from bottom in total scores for the season in the absence of front-half talent Tom Papley
the Swans have managed over 100 points just once thus far
After blowing a 29-point advantage to the Suns
Sydney needs to perform to get their season back on track
While the Giants were a suspected premiership threat entering this season
they have fallen in all but one of their major challenges since Opening Round
A strong win against Collingwood saw them in good stead
Adelaide and the Bulldogs has raised a number of questions as to where the Giants might reside come season’s end
This edition of the Derby presents as an opportunity for either side to return to form
certainly have the talent to compete with the competition’s best
as seen for the better part of their clash with Gold Coast
the Giants have all the tools necessary to control the Swans’ scoring issues
Partnered with a full-strength forward line
this contest has all the makings of a comfortable win
Hawthorn’s Centenary celebrations take place against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday
The two clubs clashed in the Hawks’ very first VFL game back in 1925 at Glenferrie Oval with the Tigers saluting by 39 points
you wouldn’t expect a similar result this weekend given the Hawks are a serious side and the Tigers are rebuilding
Sam Mitchell’s Hawks returned to winning ways with a 50-point smashing of West Coast last Sunday night
off-season recruit Josh Battle played his best game in brown and gold to date and veteran forward Jack Gunston keeps on keeping on
booting another four goals to take his season tally to 17
The Tigers were competitive for three quarters against Melbourne but were blown away in the third term
They’d want to stay competitive for longer against a side like the Hawks
this on paper appears somewhat one-sided but Adem Yze’s Tigers have already surprised Carlton and Gold Cast this season
The Hawks faithful helped the Tigers achieve an enormous crowd of 92,311 for Dusty’s 300th in June last year
so it would be nice to see the Tiger Army repay the faith for Hawthorn’s big day
You’d expect that Richmond will at times make life difficult for the Hawks
but in the end the class of the top-four chasers should come out on top to tick their sixth win of the season
it’s more than just bragging rights on the line
Both Brisbane and Gold Coast are in strong early-season form
and this matchup seems like an amazing game to close out the round
While the Suns have surprised many with a 5-1 start
questions remain over the quality of their opposition
Four of their five wins have come against teams currently sitting 14th or lower
and their narrow win over Adelaide came with controversy — a missed free kick to Izak Rankine that could’ve flipped the result
Their loss against a struggling Richmond is also unforgivable
and it’s fair to ask just how real Gold Coast’s form is
have already defeated two current top-eight sides and their only defeat came against the ladder-leading Pies
They’ve also owned the Q-Clash in recent history
They’ve only led at half-time in two of their seven matches
something that Gold Coast will need to exploit early if they’re to cause an upset
Key defender Jack Payne could return to bolster the Lions’ backline after being a late-out last week due to illness
while the focus will be on Kai Lohmann’s fitness following a shoulder concern
look set to roll in unchanged after a commanding win over Sydney last week and a near full-strength squad
Gold Coast look like a genuine top-eight contender
but this is their first real test against elite opposition
expect Brisbane to fraud-check the Suns here
Crafted by Project Diamond
St Kilda returns home to RSEA Park for its final pre-season hitout before the season begins
taking on Port Adelaide in the AAMI Community Series on Saturday
Harry Boyd and Hugh Boxshall will all appear after playing in their first unofficial game for the club last Saturday
New leadership group member Mason Wood has also been named after recovering from a quad injury suffered three weeks ago
The first bounce will be at 3:10pm AEDT, with tickets still remaining to enjoy the action and activities at RSEA Park. Additionally, the match will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo
This Sunday night’s match against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium will be the 32nd meeting of the Bulldogs and the Saints at the venue
The home ground for both clubs has delivered some memorable clashes
Both sides came into that first clash at what was then known as Colonial Stadium on the back of a poor run of form
the Dogs had lost four in a row and sat outside the eight
with a draw against West Coast in Round 3 their best result
the teams went blow for blow in the first half
with the Bulldogs narrowly ahead at the long break
After half time the Saints came out firing
stunning the Dogs with an eight-goal-to-one third term to deliver what seemed to be a knockout blow
trailing by 31 points heading into the final quarter Terry Wallace’s men climbed off the canvas and began to hit the scoreboard
They closed the gap to just seven points before St Kilda steadied through a goal from Peter Everitt
but that proved to be the Saints’ only score of the quarter
A behind to the Doggies soon after reduced to margin to an even two goals
the Bulldogs needed someone to step up – and Chris Grant did just that
who had had a relatively quiet night to that point
levelled the scores and brought fans of both sides to fever pitch
From the centre bounce he marked a bullet pass from José Romero inside 50 and although his shot missed to the left it gave the Dogs a one-point lead with 96 seconds left on the clock
The Bulldogs defended grimly for that final minute and a half
Chris Grant finished with 25 disposals and 5 goals in an upset victory over St Kilda in the 1992 Semi Final
The Bulldogs have recorded several other come-from-behind wins against the Saints at Marvel Stadium since then
Perhaps the best of those came in April 2008 when the Dogs were blown away in the opening quarter
a seven-goal burst giving St Kilda a 37-point lead at the first change
The Dogs responded to that burst (which was presumably followed by a verbal one from coach Rodney Eade) in the most emphatic fashion
With Adam Cooney (who would go on to win that year’s Brownlow Medal) starring
the Bulldogs cut the deficit to 18 points at half time
edged to a seven-point lead at the final break
and finished off with a burst of their own
an eight-goal last quarter giving them a 38-point win
kicking 18.9 to the Saints’ 6.6 over the final three quarters – an amazing 75-point turnaround
when a goalless first term left the Dogs 21 points behind the Saints at quarter time
Having closed the gap to just two points at the long break the Bulldogs exploded in the third term
an eight-goal-to-nil quarter giving them a 45-point lead
The Dogs then cruised to a 35-point win on the back of what had been an 11-goal turnaround in just two quarters from Bevo’s Bulldogs
Jason Johannisen (42 disposals) and Marcus Bontempelli (22 touches and four goals) were the stars of that show
The Bont shone again three years later when the Bulldogs recorded their biggest ever win over the Saints
With another bag of four goals and 26 possessions
Bontempelli led the Dogs to 111-point thrashing of their co-tenants
Jack Macrae (41 disposals) and Bailey Dale (34 touches and two goals) joining the party
In the 31 games played to date between the two teams at Marvel Stadium the Western Bulldogs have won 14 times to the Saints 15
With Bontempelli a strong chance to return for his first game for 2025
the Doggies will be looking to square the head-to head as well as the season ledger on Sunday night
Defender Liam Jones will be sidelined for a number of weeks
The Bulldogs have enjoyed another clean sweep of the coaches’ votes
Keep your radios dialled into Nova all week to hear from your favourite Bulldogs players
A deeper dive into the stats from our win over Port Adelaide
The Senior Coach shares his thoughts on Gather Round and previews Sunday's clash with St Kilda
Chris Bell provides an update on Liam Jones and Jordan Croft
Lou Stephenson reflects on the day of activity with Fire Rescue Victoria
The Magpies and Bulldogs clash in round six
Backline coach Daniel Pratt reviews the round 8 victory over Port Adelaide in Ballarat
The Western Bulldogs Official App is your one stop shop for all your latest team News
Scores and Stats delivered LIVE to your smartphone or tablet
train and play on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation
We offer our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today
The St Kilda Football Club will debut a special-edition ANZAC Appeal Round Guernsey on Australian soil for the very first time during this year’s ANZAC Round
paying homage to the brave veterans who served our nation
The Saints will march out in the commemorative outfit in Round 7 as they take on the reigning premiers Brisbane
With simplicity and reverence at its heart
the bespoke design features the names of the 25 St Kilda players who tragically lost their lives in World War I and World War II
and the official ANZAC Appeal logo are also proudly displayed - each element a tribute to courage
While the club has previously worn honorary Guernseys during ANZAC Day matches in New Zealand between 2013 and 2015
this year’s tribute marks the first time a purpose-designed ANZAC Appeal Round Guernsey will be worn on home soil
CMC Invest and Chery Motor have opted for monochrome versions of their logos
preserving the Guernsey’s minimalist and reflective aesthetic
A limited number of ANZAC Appeal Round Guernseys will be available for purchase via Saints Locker
while match-worn editions will be auctioned following the game
A portion of proceeds from all Guernsey sales will be donated to the RSL’s ANZAC Appeal
helping support veterans and their families
we wear it to remember – and to carry their legacy forward
Full wrap of St Kilda's Gather Round clash with the Giants
Match: St Kilda Saints vs Fremantle DockersDate: Friday
2025Start Time: 7:40pm (AEST)Stadium: Marvel Stadium
St Kilda will be hoping to cause an upset when they host Fremantle at Marvel Stadium in Friday night football
Ross Lyon and his side have suffered three consecutive defeats and have conceded an uncharacteristicly alarming 118 points on average across those games
The Saints have played their previous two matches at Marvel, both resulting in heavy defeats, which makes their back-to-back wins against Geelong and Richmond seem like an age ago
Meanwhile, Fremantle returned to the winner's circle by downing Adelaide by 18 points on Anzac Day
Justin Longmuir's men will also be bolstered with the imminent return of Luke Jackson
who dominated in the previous meeting between the two sides
The Dockers still currently sit just outside the top eight
They will hope to gain some breathing space from those around them come the end of the week
St Kilda has won three of the past five H2H meetings against Fremantle
Below are the odds (at the time of writing) for St Kilda vs Fremantle on Friday across multiple bookmakers
St Kilda vs Fremantle Prediction & Odds – AFL | 2025 Check out our St Kilda vs Fremantle prediction now
See all the St Kilda vs Fremantle odds for the AFL Round 8 match at Marvel Stadium
Match: St Kilda Saints vs Fremantle DockersDate: Friday
St Kilda will be hoping to cause an upset when they host Fremantle at Marvel Stadium in Friday night football
The Saints have played their previous two matches at Marvel, both resulting in heavy defeats, which makes their back-to-back wins against Geelong and Richmond seem like an age ago
Meanwhile, Fremantle returned to the winner's circle by downing Adelaide by 18 points on Anzac Day
You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. Stay on current site or go to US version
Round 9 of the AFL season gets underway Thursday night with a blockbuster clash between Fremantle and Collingwood at Optus Stadium
before the Saints host the Blues on Friday night
Join ESPN's footy team for some of the best AFL and AFLW analysis and insight on the ESPN Footy Podcast
Veterans Max Gawn and Patrick Dangerfield showed they can still star
but finals hopefuls Carlton and Fremantle got a massive reality check
Here's whose stocks are up and down after Round 8
The Western Bulldogs have navigated injuries and drama in the early part of the season
but now sitting 5-3 with stars back on the park
Jesse Hogan ended Charlie Curnow's Coleman Medal reign in 2024 by booting 69 majors to claim the award
The Brownlow Medal is the highest individual honour in the AFL
ESPN is giving you an advantage with our one-of-a-kind predictor
St Kilda is excited to announce several updates to the clubs’ AFLW department
headlined by the appointment of a General Manager of AFLW
an internal high-performance elevation and the return of an AFLW legend
Jessie Mulholland joins the Saints as GM AFLW after four seasons with the Melbourne Demons where she experienced premiership success in 2022 (Season 7)
Having held a number of football operations and management positions
Mulholland brings with her a wealth of expertise across multiple facets of football
“We can’t wait to welcome Jessie to our football club,” St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena said
“Arriving with over a decade in AFL operations
Jessie’s experience and successes position her as the perfect candidate to take on this new challenge at the Saints.” Mulholland’s appointment follows the departure of Tessie McManus
who concluded her time at the club earlier this year
“It’s a privilege to join St Kilda at such an exciting time for the AFLW program,” Mulholland said
there has clearly been some considered and consistent investment in building the foundations of a successful AFLW club
“The club has built a reputation among the league for its strong culture and tight knit relationships
and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started.” Chris Gamble and Matt Skubis will round out the assistant coaching line-up for 2025
following the departure of Dale Robinson and David Carden
who most recently served as a development coach at Collingwood
brings extensive AFLW experience to the team
who previously served as the team’s Strength and Rehabilitation Coach
has been promoted to the club’s High-Performance Manager (AFLW)
stepping into the integral role of Player Development Manager
“Transitioning into a role in football after retiring is something I’ve always been passionate about
I’m looking forward to working closely with the players
sharing my experiences and helping them navigate their careers both on and off the field,” Chiocci said.AFLW pre-season will officially kick off on May 12
Port Adelaide has put an emphatic pre-season win on the board
defeating St Kilda on Saturday in the AAMI Community Series at Moorabbin
Port kept the Saints goalless in the first quarter and cruised to a 14.9 (93) to 7.7 (49) win
giving coach Ross Lyon plenty to ponder ahead of their round one game on March 16 against the Crows at Adelaide Oval
Port kicked 6.3 to one behind in the first term
Joe Richards kicked the opening goal and racked up 10 disposals in the opening term
while Jeremy Finlayson similarly impressed off half-back as Jason Horne-Francis dominated through the midfield
Finlayson is playing in defence as a stop-gap while Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher recover from injury
but it looked worth persisting with on Saturday
Jeremy Finlayson ticks plenty of boxes in a dominant display down back for Port Adelaide
After kicking three goals in the first half
livewire Port forward Willie Rioli was managed for the remainder of the game
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was a rare highlight for the Saints
who could not find targets in attack and were hammered on turnover
finally kicked the Saints' only first-half goal at 10 minutes into the second term
Port captain Connor Rozee amassed 39 disposals
while Horne-Francis (31) was also prolific
Power skipper Connor Rozee adds to his terrific day with a final-quarter major
Former Western Bulldogs onballer Jack Macrae had 32 disposals for the Saints
as forward Isaac Keeler pressed for a senior debut with his impressive second half
Port starts its season on March 15 against Collingwood at the MCG
New facesFormer Collingwood forward Joe Richards (20 disposals and a goal) impressed
while Jack Lukosius kicked two goals and had nine score involvements in his 18 touches
No.15 draft pick Joe Berry (14 disposals) grew into the contest
Round one chanceWith Esava Ratugolea (knee) and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (back) sidelined
Jeremy Finlayson has moved to defence and looked right at home on Saturday
13 marks and seven intercept possessions and should feature for the Power in round one
Watch Port Adelaide’s press conference after its practice match win over St Kilda
ST KILDA 0.1 1.4 4.6 7.7 (49)PORT ADELAIDE 6.3 8.3 11.6 14.9 (93)
Port Adelaide skipper spoke to the media at the Showdown captain's presser on Monday morning
Woodville-West Torrens defeated Port Adelaide to take the points in Round 5 of SANFL action
Port Adelaide have been defeated by the Western Bulldogs in Round 8
Port Adelaide has selected a 26-man squad to face the Saints
Connor Rozee and Jordan Dawson speak to the media at Adelaide Oval ahead of Showdown LVII
Watch Port Adelaide’s press conference after Round 8's match against Western Bulldogs
Chad Cornes spoke to portadelaidefc.com.au ahead of Round 8's clash against the Bulldogs
The Port Adelaide Football Club acknowledges the land on which we train and play
are based on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people
We respect their spiritual relationship with their country
We also acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of Australia and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living people today
The Saints will roll into IKON Park with a 26-man squad tomorrow to take on the Blues
The unofficial practice match will be the first competitive outing of the season for the team
before heading back home to RSEA Park next Saturday to take on the Power in the AAMI Community Series
The clash against the Blues will see four of our newest players make their first appearance for the Saints against opposition
Hugh Boxshall and Harry Boyd all named in the squad
The action kicks off from 11:00am AEDT, with entry to the game free to the public. The match will also be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo.
St Kilda will head to Carlton for its first pre-season outing on Saturday the 22nd of February.
St Kilda has added to its growing list of premium young talent in anticipation of its ambitious new chapter, selecting top-tier draftees Tobie Travaglia and Alixzander Tauru at tonight’s 2024 Telstra AFL Draft.
The top-10 duo, taken with pick No. 8 and 10 respectively following earlier Academy bids, are primed to complement the Saints’ emerging young list headlined by recent draft selections, Mattaes Phillipou, Darcy Wilson, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager.
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The club’s first top-10 selection since Phillipou in 2022, the highly desirable Travaglia boasts exceptional athleticism as a hard-running, intercepting defender who also has the attributes to impact offensively on-ball.
Averaging 24 disposals from his 12 matches for Bendigo Pioneers in 2024, Travaglia earned selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year before later receiving All-Australian honours off the back of his impressive run throughout this season’s National Championships.
Watch the best of 2024 draft prospect Tobie Travaglia.
Dubbed the ’Flying Viking’ for his presence in the air and marking ability, Tauru — of Swedish heritage — entered this year’s draft as one of the most exciting prospects after a prominent finish to the National Championships for Vic Country.
A smooth mover across the ground despite his 194cm frame, the big-bodied Tauru — who has the capacity to play as a key defender, forward or midfielder — recorded the best running vertical jump (94cm) at this year’s Draft Combine and tested incredibly well in the 20-metre sprint (3:00 seconds) and time trial (6:36).
Watch the best of 2024 draft prospect Alix Tauru.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Tobie, Alix and their families to St Kilda,” EGM Football David Misson said.
“Tobie is a hard-running player who has played as a midfielder and half-back this year. He possesses great leadership skills which he displayed at the Bendigo Pioneers and Vic Country.
“Alix is an aggressive and powerful intercept defender who can go forward and hit the scoreboard. He’s a very exciting prospect and will be a great addition to our defensive stocks.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by St Kilda Football Club (@stkildafc)
“Tobie and Alix have played football together while representing Vic Country
and we can’t wait to see them together in red
“We wish Tobie and Alix every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter at St Kilda.”
The 2024 Telstra AFL Draft will continue tomorrow evening from 7:00pm AEDT
with the rookie and pre-season drafts to follow on Friday afternoon
it become more apparent to me that this was a battle between the “haves” of the AFL
That is not a shot at the Saints – I do like what they’re building
it strongly indicates the stark differences between the lists
I’ll go into that in more detail as part of the review
With ten shots at goal to just two for the Saints
the Lions failed to capitalise on their opportunities
and even though they corrected things in the second stanza
The boys from Moorabbin put a scare through the reigning premiers in the third
as they opened up with two quick goals and attacked the contest with aggression that had been missing in the first half
and as the contest once again began ebbing and flowing
it as Brisbane winning the quarter by four points
now with 12 of their last 14 games at the venue resulting in wins
It was always going to be a big ask for the Saints to get over Brisbane
and it proved to be a bridge too far in this one
HB has all the details with his loves and hates
HB writes 8-9 members columns every week during the season
Four in-depth game reviews that stay locked
and four or five standalone columns for the people that help keep the lights on
Jump on board now and grab a mongrel membership to support the site
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BrisbaneSt Kilda
If St Kilda are have nots, then perhaps Brisbane are overated. For long periods they looked like they were running around in circles, not really combining together like a top side should, with only Lachie and Hippy holding it together. They havent really got back the edge they eventually got last year. But its still early.
Also, don’t call it ‘the Q-Clash’. that name is terrible. Made up by a committee of ad-executives terrible, like the taste of injected anaesthetic at the dentist terrible. Call it the Rumble (as in Rumble in the Jungle). I just made that up, and at least it doesn’t sound so bloody awful!
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