High-scoring Saints thrash Port

St Kilda strengthened their position in the AFL top four with a 94-point drubbing of
Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The first five goals of the game ensured a trouble-free afternoon for the Saints,
whose 23.13 (151) to 8.9 (57) win was their first in four rounds after two defeats
and a draw.
The win moved St Kilda (third) to within half a game of second-placed Geelong with
three rounds remaining and should ensure the Saints earn the double chance in the
finals.
Small forward Stephen Milne and skipper Nick Riewoldt kicked four goals apiece to
give St Kilda their highest score this season, while Adam Schneider kicked three.
Schneider also set up a handful of goals, including one where he kicked long to
Milne all alone after the latter ran from the interchange area and straight into
attack unguarded.
Ruckman Ben McEvoy (two goals) also provided a useful target in attack when resting
forward, as Justin Koschitzke was used in the ruck when Michael Gardiner left the
ground injured in the third quarter.
The Saints effectively had the contest sewn up in the second quarter when they led
by 50 points but turned the game into a percentage booster through seven goals to
two in the last quarter.
Midfielder Lenny Hayes (two goals) set the tone with his attack on the ball, while
defenders James Gwilt and Sam Gilbert provided plenty of drive.
In contrast, Port's defence was a shambles in the first quarter, as they were lucky
not to concede more than five goals.
The Power had little impact in the middle of the ground and lacked a strong target
in attack, although Jay Schulz kicked two goals.
Port's defeat brought caretaker coach Matthew Primus back to reality after his side
had won their previous two games.
Port just avoided their biggest defeat of the season, after being belted by 95
points by Geelong in round four.