Brisbane 3.1 6.1 7.3 10.5(65)
St Kilda 3.1 3.3 7.7 11.13 (79)
For the second time in its past three matches St Kilda trailed by 16 points at half time and then played significantly better football in the second half to record a victory. Whilst the Saints 14 point win over Brisbane at the Gabba in Round 15 was not as convincing as the Round 13 victory over Geelong, St Kilda were able to get the all important four premiership points to further entrench themselves in the top four.
After being kept goalless in the second quarter St Kilda improved their ball use, applied greater pressure and had more run to kick eight goals to four in the second half.
Farren Ray played a great game, having 10 kicks, 15 handballs and taking a game-high 12 marks. Ray showed tremendous composure to use the football superbly, having a disposal efficiency of 88% and also provided significant drive from a wing. Ray was the only St Kilda player to have more than 16 disposals and not commit a critical error.
Sam Gilbert had 27 possessions including nine contested, had a goal assist and took risks to create the play in his customary role as a rebounding defender across half back.
Leigh Montagna had 33 possessions, five clearances, laid seven tackles, kicked a goal and had a goal assist. One of Montagna’s strengths is his hard-running ability, particularly late in games. Montagna is able to run at the same intensity in the last quarter as the first, and his 20 possessions in the second half against Brisbane were critical to St Kilda gaining the ascendancy.
James Gwilt further strengthened his claim as one of the most improved players in the AFL during 2010 and was influential whether playing in attack or defense. Gwilt had 22 possessions, six inside 50s, took eight marks, had two goal assists and kicked a goal.
Nick Riewoldt, playing his first match since injuring his hamstring in Round 3 against Collingwood was restricted to 65% game time and looked better the further the match went. Whilst it will take Riewoldt several more matches to regain touch he was a valuable contributor and kicked a captains goal early in the last quarter from just inside 50 to extend St Kilda’s lead to 10 points.
St Kilda have the longest current winning streak in the AFL with seven consecutive victories. Next round the second placed Saints take on the third placed Magpies in a Saturday afternoon match at the MCG. St Kilda have won the past four matches between the two clubs with the smallest winning margin being 28 points.
St Kilda are 2nd on the ladder with 12 wins, 3 losses, 128.1%
This rounds feature article is on full-back Zac Dawson who will play his 50th AFL game against Collingwood.
True Sainters Round 15 votes True Sainters overall vote leaders
3 Farren Ray 15 Brendon Goddard
2 Sam Gilbert 13 Lenny Hayes
1 Leigh Montagna 12 Leigh Montagna
11 Sam Gilbert
9 Nick Dal Santo
TS|Journal 
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