Tight Win and Controversial Calls Help Saints Break 14-year Hoodoo

Saints end 14-year drought on controversial night

The St Kilda Saints have ended their 14-year drought at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) with a controversial yet crucial 14-point win against the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League. The triumph against the Swans booked a spot in the top eight for the Saints, who came from behind on multiple occasions thanks to a pair of contentious 50m penalties in the final quarter. The low-scoring, high-pressure display from the Saints saw Max King lead the team with three goals while Dan Butler and Mitchito Owens contributed two goals each. However, Butler faces a nervous wait due to a contentious dangerous tackle on Swan Nick Blakey, who was subbed out of the game following a head injury assessment.

The Details

King secured the Saints inside 50 with his goals and was well-supported by Butler and Owens. The match saw Lance Franklin celebrate his 350th game and kick a goal to overtake fourth place on the all-time leading goalscorers list in VFL/AFL history. Franklin managed two goals from six disposals in his 350th match, while Saints defender Callum Wilkie was stingy, finishing with 23 disposals, 10 intercepts, eight marks, and eight rebound 50s. The opening quarter was unremarkable with both sides failing to produce meaningful chains without errors. At quarter-time, the Saints led with just seven points while the Swans were scoreless.

Analysis

The match had several controversies, with the Saints receiving two contentious 50m penalties in the final quarter that helped them secure the win. The match also saw a contentious dangerous tackle by Dan Butler on Nick Blakey, who was subbed out following a head injury assessment. The low-scoring, high-pressure display from the Saints was a definitive win and has further legitimised their 2023 standing. The result leaves the Saints in touch with the top four while the Swans now face a challenge to maintain their top-eight standing.

Editorial and Advice

The match proved that the Saints have come a long way in establishing themselves as a solid, reliable team that is capable of carrying its early-season momentum into the back-half of its campaign. The Swans, on the other hand, have been facing a challenging season and must do better to rectify their recent mid-season slump. The contentious 50m penalties and dangerous tackle calls serve as reminders of the importance of player safety and how critical correct calls are in the game. Teams must remember to maintain fairness, respect, and safety while displaying their skills on the field.