By Mark Robinson

THIS was a "nearly" game. The Demons nearly were competitive for four quarters. The Saints nearly lairised too much.

By Greg Baum

ST KILDA did it the hard way because that is its chosen way. Melbourne did it the hard way because that is where it is in its development. Multiplied out, it made for another hard-earned win for St Kilda, another hard-learned lesson for Melbourne and a hard day's night at Etihad stadium.

 

By Courtney Walsh

IF ST KILDA was tradesman-like for three quarters in its 35-point victory over Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, it was complete for much of the last, preventing the Demons from entering their attacking 50m arc at all until the 21-minute mark, a feat as astounding as its miserliness last week, even given the gulf in talent between the two opponents.