Australian Football

Match Report

St Kilda has opened its 2013 account with a convincing win over GWS at Manuka Oval in Canberra. The Saints began the match in ruthless fashion, holding the Giants scoreless for the entire first quarter while slamming on 5.4 themselves. The Saints brigade of smaller forwards was dominant during this period, with goals to each of Stephen Milne, Ahmed Saad and Terry Milera. Nick Riewoldt and David Armitage also kicked one each for the quarter to give St Kilda 34-point lead at the first change.

The Giants were far more competitive in the second term and both sides traded goals for the quarter. At half-time, though, the Saints held a very comfortable 37-point lead.

After an early third quarter goal to Milera, GWS attacked strongly and Devon Smith and Jeremy Cameron both scored goals to keep the margin to a manageable 31 points. But the Saints gradually wore the Giants down from that point. By three-quarter-time the margin had reached 51 points and the Saints did not take their foot off the pedal in the final term. They kicked six goals to two to run out winners by 72 points and help put their season back on track.

The Giants' bad day was made worse when it was revealed that big Jonathan Patton had ruptured his ACL and would miss 12 months of football.

Armitage (four goals and 31 disposals) was the best player on the ground, with Ben McEvoy and Jack Steven also very good. Co-captain Callan Ward and Adam Treloar were amongst then best for GWS.

St Kilda will now face the undefeated Essendon, while GWS will travel to Melbourne with both sides looking to register their first win.

GOALS
Greater Western Sydney: Treloar, Brogan, Smith, Giles 2; Patton, Cameron
St Kilda: Armitage 4; Saad, Milne, Riewoldt 3; Milera, Maister 2; Steven, Lee, Montagna, Gilbert

BEST - AFL.COM.AU
Greater Western Sydney: Smith, Ward, Treloar, Bugg, Giles, Kennedy
St Kilda: Armitage, Steven, Montagna, McEvoy, Roberton, Milera

BEST - CANBERRA TIMES
Greater Western Sydney: Ward, Gilham, Treloar, Brogan
St Kilda: Armitage, McEvoy, Roberton, Saad, Riewoldt

COACHES' COMMENTS
Kevin Sheedy (GWS): Full credit to St Kilda, they really played brilliant footy. They beat us to the ball and ran very, very well. It was a good lesson for the young players that no matter who you are it's hard to win a game of AFL footy.

Scott Watters (StK): In this competition you need to be resilient; you need to bounce back. The guys set themselves some basic targets - contested ball was obviously one against a side we rate really highly in that area and they were able to win that. Pleasing result and good to get on the board.

INJURIES
Greater Western Sydney: Patton (knee)
St Kilda: Newnes (concussion)

SUBSTITUTES
Greater Western Sydney: Sam Reid replaced Jonathon Patton at half-time
St Kilda: Farren Ray replaced Jack Newnes in the second quarter.

REPORTS
Greater Western Sydney: Devon Smith reported in the fourth quarter for charging Jarryn Geary
St Kilda: None

UMPIRES: Fila, Burgess, Chamberlain