MATT Burgan looks at the key stats, moments and stories to emerge from round 11

St Kilda wins with 19 seconds remaining

When Jeremy Howe booted what appeared to be the winning goal with just 41 seconds remaining, Melbourne looked to have secured its fourth win of the season. But enter Leigh Montagna, who pounced and kicked the sealer with just 19 seconds left. It was a frustrating blow for the Dees, given a lapse in concentration and communication ultimately cost them the match. 

Saints win three quarters to one

The margins between each quarter were little, but St Kilda took the edge with three terms to one. The Saints won the first quarter by the narrowest of margins, before claiming a five-point win in the second term. Melbourne won the third term by six points, before St Kilda claimed the final quarter – and the match – by two points.

Dees kick six in a row

From the 28-minute mark of the second term, through to the 15-minute mark of the third term, the Demons booted six unanswered goals. It was another good step for the developing Dees, given this type of streak hasn’t occurred much in recent times. Jesse Hogan, Jeff Garlett, Jimmy Toumpas, Tom McDonald, Hogan and Toumpas booted the majors during this period.

Unlucky 21

It wasn’t a happy milestone for Melbourne, as it lost its 21^st match at Etihad Stadium. Its most recent win came when Mark Riley was coach in round 19, 2007. Coach Paul Roos said the loss against the Saints this time around had nothing to do with the ground. “I don't even think about the venue – it’s more about the game itself,” he said. “In terms of the venue – that was brought up during the week – but I don't think there’s ever a coach that says ‘we haven't won here for ‘x’ amount of times’ or 'we haven't beaten this team’. It’s not an issue.”

Dees lose 11^th in a row to Saints

Entering this match, Melbourne hadn’t defeated St Kilda since the second elimination final in 2006, when Neale Daniher was coaching Melbourne and Grant Thomas guided the Saints for the last time. The red and blue’s loss on Sunday turned into 11 straight losses against St Kilda, equaling its 11-game winning streak over Hawthorn from 1933-40. It’s just two shy of St Kilda’s best ever winning streak: 13 against Fitzroy (1962-69), followed by 12 over Richmond (2003-10) and 12 over Carlton (2002-09).

Vince and Jones back up again

Bernie Vince and Nathan Jones backed up their fine Queen’s Birthday performances with another 30-plus disposal performance each. Vince had a game-high 38 disposals and Jones had 32 touches. Vince’s effort to keep St Kilda ball-winner David Armitage to 20 possessions was a fine effort. “I thought I played my role OK on Armitage,” Vince told Dee TV. “I tried to cut his influence out – not as much about how I go, but keeping him accountable as well, when we had the ball. I managed to find a little bit of it, but it doesn’t really count if you lose. It would’ve been very good to win and play well.”

Toumpas plays his best game

The ‘Toump’ played his finest match yet for the Demons, notching up a career-best 26 disposals. Although his man Leigh Montagna kicked the winning goal, Toumpas was a key player throughout. Coach Paul Roos had no doubt it was the South Australian’s most noticeable performance. “I think it was his best game for us. His ability to impact the contest – he was on Joey (Montagna) for a little while – and he was able to control him and then win the ball himself. So there were certainly a lot of positives from our point of view. It was a really good team performance and it’s really, really disappointing to lose the game but there’s certainly a lot of positives to come out of it."

Hogan’s haul of five

Jesse Hogan’s five goals was the best effort by a Demon since Sam Blease kicked five majors – coincidentally against the Saints – in round 20, 2012. Coach Paul Roos was full of praise for Hogan post-match. “His ability to win a contest and kick crucial goals [was good]. He was really smart with his body positioning and his conversion was really good,” he said. 

Riewoldt reinforces his champion status

With Hogan at one end, it was somewhat of the master and the apprentice on show with the two key forwards going head to head. Riewoldt was outstanding with four goals, 17 disposals and 10 marks, reaffirming why he is one of the greats of the modern era.

And now for Geelong …

The challenges don’t get any easier for the Demons and taking on Geelong at Simonds Stadium is no easy task. Like St Kilda, Melbourne hasn’t won against the Cats since 2006, with a six-point win coming over Geelong in round six that year. A thrilling one-point win over Geelong in round 20, 2005 was the last time Melbourne won at the Cattery, although the two sides drew the following year in 2006. It will be a big test for the Demons on the eve of their round 13 bye, but one they must rise for and compete vigourously.