Round 17 – Melbourne v St Kilda: Savage shines as Saints maintain their decade-long dominance over the Demons

3:20pm, Sunday 26 July 2015
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jolimont

Wet and miserable conditions couldn’t dampen St Kilda supporters spirits at the G on Sunday where they watched the Saints beat the Demons by 37 points. That’s not to say that it was a particularly riveting match, but it’s always satisfying to get the four premiership points. It was incredibly frustrating to watch this match at times. Both sides displayed the same overuse of handball, inaccurate goal kicking and countless unforced errors. Thankfully the heaven’s opened at the start of the third quarter and with it brought a flood of six goals allowing St Kilda to maintain its decade-long dominance over Melbourne. While this is a handy statistic the fact remains that we cannot continue getting away to such slow unproductive starts.

Rather than focus on the negatives about the match I think it’s worth highlighting some positives which have truly renewed my faith, and reignited my belief that the Saints can be serious Premiership contenders in the next few years. While seniors such as Riewoldt, Montagna, Dempster and Gilbert continue to put in solid performances, it’s the new brigade of young and exciting players who really stand out as they continue to thrive week and after week.

In this game, I saw strong indications that Paddy McCartin could be something really special. In fact I would go as far to say that he potentially could be our next key forward star replacing Nick Riewoldt once he has decided to hand up his boots. Maverick Weller continues to consistently show he is an integral part of the team and really gets my heart racing when he kicks those thrilling goals like once again he did in the final quarter of this match. It was also immensely pleasing to see an improved performance from Jack Lonie after his out of character low disposal game the week prior.

Shane Savage has come on leaps and bounds ever since recovering from his unfortunate broken arm incident at training during the end of the 2014 Season. I think part of this consistent improvement is due to him moving from the forward line to play more of a mid-field defender role. This strategic change has been pure genius from Alan Richardson!

This week I pay tribute to Shane Savage in song.

Savage Attack
Sung to the tune of ‘Shark Attack’ by Split Enz

Shane’s got skills and he plays so hard
Leaving the Hawks has renewed his spark
And he doesn’t appear to have misbehaved
He’s been showing his presence is worthwhile
Playing in the backline he runs wild
We didn’t know he could thrive there making so many saves
Savage attack!

Well he’s lifted his game and left no doubt
He could just be our Saint Peter
Savage attack!

He’s been a handy draftee
Born Kiwi nationality, two years ago it was time for a fresh start
Red white and black became his flavour
And Hawks really have done us a favour
‘Cause Shane’s just a beauty and his hair looks really sharp
Savage attack!

Well he’s lifted his game and left no doubt
He could just be our Saint Peter
Savage attack!
And he could be the key, with his physicality
And there were high fives in the air when we got him
Savage attack! Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey!

Savage attack!

Well he’s lifted his game and left no doubt
He could just be our Saint Peter
Savage attack!

Yes he’s now a Saint, down by the sea
And there were high fives in the air when we got him
Savage attack! Savage attack! Savage attack!
Savage attack! Savage attack! Savage attack!

 

 

MELBOURNE  1.2  3.6   5.9    6.10   (46)
ST KILDA       4.4  4.7  10.8  12.11  (83) 

GOALS

Melbourne: N Jones, Dawes, Tyson, Hogan, Garlett, Gawn
St Kilda: Riewoldt 3, Dunstan 2, Savage, Sinclair, Lonie, McCartin, Newnes, Bruce, Weller

MY BEST
Melbourne 3 – Jack Viney  2- Nathan Jones  1- Jessie Hogan
St Kilda 3 – Nick Riewoldt 2 – Sean Dempster 1- Dylan Roberton

Umpires: Rosebury, Mollison, Wallace

Crowd: 22,945

About Jennifer Muirden

Jennifer Muirden has been a keen St Kilda supporter since 1978 and fondly remembers her childhood Saturdays spent at Linton Street, Moorabbin. In her lifetime she hopes to experience the Saints second Premiership.

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