Saints Edge Past Plucky Roos But Defenders Set to Miss Weeks
The St Kilda Saints secured a hard-fought victory against the North Melbourne Kangaroos by a margin of 18 points on Saturday afternoon. The final scoreline read 84 points to 66, but the result doesn’t fully capture the spirited performance displayed by the young Roos, who pushed the Saints to the limit.
Despite missing several key players due to injury, including Brad Crouch, Jack Sinclair, and Marcus Windhager, the Saints managed to overcome a determined North Melbourne outfit. The young guns of St Kilda, including draftees Darcy Wilson, Lance Collard, Hugo Garcia, and Arie Schoenmaker, all played their part in the win, showcasing the depth and promise brewing within the team.
The Saints started strong, establishing a handy lead in the first quarter. However, the young Kangaroos refused to lie down, clawing their way back into the contest throughout the second and third quarters. North Melbourne’s pressure and fight were commendable, with Jy Simpkin leading the charge with a dominant display in the midfield.
However, the experience and composure of the Saints ultimately shone through in the final term. St Kilda’s skipper, Jack Steele, led by example with a tireless performance, amassing a game-high 35 disposals and 8 clearances. Additionally, veteran forward Tim Membrey provided a crucial spark upfront, kicking 4 goals and proving a constant threat inside the forward 50.
While the win was undoubtedly a positive for the Saints, the victory came at a cost. Key defenders Dougal Howard and Jimmy Webster were forced from the field due to injuries, casting a shadow over their upcoming matches.
Post-match, St Kilda coach Brett Ratten expressed his delight with the team’s fighting spirit but acknowledged the significant losses on the defensive end. “We’re thrilled to come away with the win today, especially considering the challenges we faced throughout the game,” Ratten said. “However, losing Dougal and Jimmy to injuries is a major concern. We’ll need to assess the extent of their injuries and see how they impact our selection for next week.”
Early reports suggest Howard is likely to miss several weeks with a hamstring strain, while Webster’s ankle injury is less severe but could still keep him out for at least a game. These absences will undoubtedly test the depth of the Saints’ defensive stocks, particularly with crucial matches against the Brisbane Lions and Fremantle Dockers looming on the horizon.
Despite the injury concerns, the Saints will take heart from their hard-earned win against the North Melbourne Kangaroos. The young guns continue to impress, and the overall performance displayed encouraging signs of resilience and determination. However, navigating the upcoming weeks without key defensive personnel will be a significant challenge that Coach Ratten and his team will need to address promptly.
