1. Billings finally on target in 50th game
Jack Billings has been on a season-long crusade to prove wrong critics who suggested he had not lived up to being the No.3 pick in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft. He impressed more often than not in a half-forward role in the first seven rounds, but the knock on Billings' 2017 campaign was his goalkicking – an underwhelming 4.12 entering the Carlton clash. That ratio was inconceivable for someone whose kicking is considered a strength. Billings made a mockery of his struggles with four first-half goals without a blemish against the Blues. The first was a simple one after a Nick Riewoldt handball, but his full array of skills were on show in his magnificent blast from beyond 50m for his second. Billings had set a new personal best when he put through his fifth before time-on in the third quarter.

WATCH: Billings' five-star breakout

2. Blues' defence proves tough to pass again
Brendon Bolton's backline received another tick on Saturday despite St Kilda creating a wealth of opportunity. Opposition sides scored off just 45.2 per cent of their inside 50s against Carlton in the opening seven rounds, placing the Blues fifth in the AFL. The trend continued against the Saints, who scored only 11 times from 32 first-half inside 50s (a number that improved to 25 from 55 by game's end). Bolton perennially plays an extra man – usually Sam Docherty – down back, so that helps, but they have a clever mix of veteran role players and rising stars that are meshing wonderfully. You won't find an argument from Nick Riewoldt, who failed to haul in a mark in the first half. 

Full match coverage and stats 

3. There is still a Ross the Boss at the Saints
The original 'Ross the Boss', Ross Lyon, is coaching Fremantle rather than St Kilda these days, but another Ross is making his mark. It is dangerous to judge a book by its cover, but it is safe in Seb Ross' case. His closely cropped hair suggests he means business and this Ross rarely has a bad day. Ross is averaging near enough to 29 disposals this season – including double-digit contested – and added 31 more at the Blues' expense, capping his work with a booming last-quarter goal to regain the lead for good for his side. It was his second of the day in a mighty performance. 

4. Late quarter madness before half-time
Indecision reached farcical levels on the tick of the main break, when Patrick Cripps was caught between slotting a straightforward goal or dishing to his teammates ahead of him. Cripps made a late decision to play on and kick it himself, but St Kilda skipper Jarryn Geary got a hand to the tough Blue and it was enough for him to drop the ball. The Saints rushed the ball down the other end and had a close-range chance themselves, only for Jack Silvagni to pull off an excellent smother to deny them. The drama wasn't over, with a skied ball landing in Jack Steele's arms, but he misfired and scored only a behind.

5. Silvagni shows his famous father's versatility
Jack Silvagni returned from a shoulder injury to play an important role up forward for Carlton. He not only booted two goals in the opening quarter, but curbed attacking Saints defender Dylan Roberton's influence. Silvagni's father Stephen, a Blues legend now serving the club as list manager, was known for his ability to be as effective at either end of the ground. Roberton battled on to still reach 23 possessions, but was not the same player who is being thrown up as a contender for a spot on the Virgin Australia All Australian side's half-back flank. It was particularly noticeable with Roberton's usual running partner Jimmy Webster breaking his right hand and leaving the field at the 14-minute mark of the opening term.