Saints break Friday night drought
It was a big win for St Kilda, in its first appearance in the feature time slot since 2015. Not only did the Saints register their first big scalp of the year in defeating the GIANTS, but they snapped an 11-game losing streak on Friday night. Down by seven points at three-quarter time, the Saints played inspired football in the final term, kicking six goals to take down the GIANTS. Midfielder Jack Steven was sublime with 29 disposals, seven clearances and two goals, marching the Saints to a huge victory, which will give them plenty of confidence as they push for a finals berth.
GIANT fears for Kennedy
GIANTS defender Adam Kennedy's night ended prematurely when he sustained what could be a serious injury to his left knee halfway through the opening quarter. The GIANT landed awkwardly on his left leg after a marking contest with his knee twisting inwards. He spent the rest of the term on the sidelines, as the GIANTS medical staff put his knee through a full range of tests. The 24-year-old limped down the race with the doctor and did not take any further part in the game. The injury is another blow to the GIANTS' backline with Nick Haynes ruled out for 10 weeks after a serious hamstring injury last week.
New Saint sweats on MRP
As if things couldn't get worse on the injury front, the GIANTS then lost Nathan Wilson for an extended period in the second quarter. And it looks likely to have consequences for St Kilda with Koby Stevens to be scrutinised by the Match Review Panel. The ex-Bulldog pinned the arms of Wilson in a tackle and slung him to the ground with the GIANTS' head hitting the ground hard. Interestingly, the umpire did not deem it a dangerous tackle, instead paying a free kick against the GIANT for holding the ball. As Stevens took his kick, Wilson was left lying motionless on the ground. He was eventually helped off by the trainers but looked groggy and disorientated. The defender had a concussion test and managed to return to the field after half-time.
Joey's spray
Not even former skipper Nick Riewoldt is safe from a spray from teammate and fellow veteran Leigh Montagna. The Saints midfielder let fly at Riewoldt after the three-quarter time siren when the GIANTS scored a late goal through Devon Smith. Riewoldt was caught napping on the mark, allowing Smith to gain a couple of extra metres on his run up, as he kicked a long bomb goal from 50m to give the GIANTS a seven-point lead at the final break. Montagna immediately aired his annoyance at the ex-captain, letting him know exactly what he thought of his lapse of concentration.
GIANTS Look to vanquish their Collywobbles.
The GIANTS will be smarting from their loss to the Saints and will be looking to return to form next week. However, the GIANTS come up against Collingwood, one of only two teams (the other being West Coast) that they're yet to beat since entering the AFL. Last year the GIANTS looked like they were about to break their duck against the Magpies, leading their round 16 clash by 24-points at quarter time before Travis Cloke switched on and inspired Collingwood to a remarkable 32-point win. That loss and the Friday night defeat to the Saints will give the GIANTS extra fire in their belly heading into next Saturday's clash at Spotless Stadium.