LEIGH Montagna has kicked a goal with 19 seconds left to propel St Kilda to a stunning two-point win over Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Jeremy Howe put the Demons in front with just 41 seconds remaining with the first goal of a tense and error-laden final term, but Montagna ran onto a loose ball in the goalsquare to hand the Saints a 12.13 (85) to 12.11 (83) win.
The result extends Melbourne's losing streak against St Kilda to 11, with the loss the Demons’ 21st in a row at the venue.
Montagna was outstanding with 28 possessions, with Nick Riewoldt important with four goals and 10 marks.
Riewoldt hurt his knee in a marking contest in the final term and spent a few minutes on the bench before returning, but could barely run throughout the final term.
Jesse Hogan enhanced his reputation as a superstar in the making with a career-best five goals for Melbourne, while Bernie Vince (38 possessions) and Nathan Jones (32) were influential.
Hogan’s tally was the best from any Melbourne player since round 20, 2012 when Sam Blease kicked five against St Kilda.
Jack Viney did a brilliant job of blanketing in-form midfielder Jack Steven for three quarters, but could only watch on in horror as Steven grabbed the vital final centre clearance.
The Saints and Demons entered round 11 in 14th and 15th positions on the ladder respectively, with 3-7 records, which was reflected in the tight contest.
Alan Richardson's side led by one point at quarter-time and quickly extended that lead to a game-high margin of 24 with the first four goals of the second term.
But Hogan hit back with two goals as the Demons sliced the deficit to just six points at the main break.
The intensity of the contest lifted another notch in the third with neither side able to break the game open. Jimmy Toumpas edged Melbourne out to a two-goal lead halfway through the quarter, but Tim Membrey's miss after the siren levelled the scores once again.
A tense final term produced plenty of errors from both sides, but St Kilda did most of the attacking without being able to land the decisive blow.
It looked like it would finally be the Demons' day when Howe slotted a tough set shot late in the game, only for Melbourne hearts to be broken seconds later.
The Demons, who have lost their past three matches, now face the tough task of regrouping before a clash against Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Sunday.
St Kilda will enjoy a week off before returning to face the Western Bulldogs.
ST KILDA 3.5 9.6 11.9 12.13 (85)
MELBOURNE 3.4 8.6 11.9 12.11 (83)
GOALS
St Kilda: Riewoldt 4, Lonie 2, Membrey, Minchington, Ross, Bruce, Steven, Montagna
Melbourne: Hogan 5, Toumpas 2, Brayshaw, Viney, Garlett, McDonald, Howe
BEST
St Kilda: Montagna, Riewoldt, Newnes, Armitage, Weller, Ross
Melbourne: Hogan, Viney, Toumpas, Dunn, Jones, Vince, Cross
INJURIES
St Kilda: Nil
Melbourne: Pedersen (hand)
SUBSTITUTES
St Kilda: Luke Delaney replaced by Blake Acres in the third quarter
Melbourne: Cam Pedersen (hand) replaced by Viv Michie in the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Chamberlain, Kamolins, Wallace
Official crowd: 25,187 at Etihad Stadium
