1. Saints in finals mix after astounding blitz, while Tiger doubts remain
This was the stuff of the Saints' wildest dreams and the Tigers' worst nightmares. St Kilda had three goals on the board before Richmond snared their first, and that was the cue for the inspired Saints to pile on the next 12 goals to lead by 87 points just after half-time (no, that's not a typo). This included a blistering second term of 9.5 to just one behind. At the long break, the Saints led the inside 50s (43-14), disposals (248-142), clearances (23-9), contested possessions (84-55) and uncontested possessions (165-82), showing they have the skill and the mettle to break their six-year finals drought. Meanwhile, it was a brutal reality check for the Tigers, who not only missed a chance to consolidate a spot in the top four, but their percentage copped a hammering, which could prove crucial in such a tight season.
2. Grimes' courage under fire
One of the few Tigers to show genuine fight was defender Dylan Grimes. Late in the second quarter, with his team copping a hiding and in desperate need of inspiration, Grimes dared to go where others fear to tread. He ran back with the flight of the ball into an oncoming Tim Membrey and copped a forearm to the face. Somehow Grimes had taken the mark. Momentarily motionless, he somehow regained his feet and shook off the Tiger trainer to take his kick and play out the rest of the quarter with a bruised, scuffed face and an apparently scrambled brain as he seemed a little disorientated before the half-time siren. It was no surprise when Grimes failed to reappear after the long interval.
Dylan Grimes took a few moments to get to his feet after this contest. #AFLSaintsTigers pic.twitter.com/NUSNNTubDC
— AFL (@AFL) July 8, 2017
3. Cotchin reported for costly gut-punch
Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin has already been deemed lucky to have escaped suspension for an early-season "jumper punch" and he faces another nervous wait, this time after being reported for a gut-punch. Just seven minutes in Cotchin was penalised for deliberately kicking the ball out of bounds in defence, but then he had a moment (in fact, an evening) he'd rather take back. During a push and shove with Saint Jack Lonie, Cotchin delivered a blow to the youngster's midriff, an act that resulted in a 50-metre penalty and an easy goal to Seb Ross from point-blank range. Ross (32 possessions) went head-to-head with Brownlow Medal fancy Dustin Martin for periods and was one of the catalysts for the Saints' dominance. Martin managed just 19 possessions – his worst tally since round four – but he had plenty of mates who were similarly ineffective.
Trent Cotchin has been reported for this incident. #AFLSaintsTigers pic.twitter.com/OVHaSvMpZY
— AFL (@AFL) July 8, 2017
4. Two more comical misses by jittery Josh
The Saints would've been even further ahead early if Josh Bruce hadn't been so wasteful. The big left-footer added two more misses to his blooper reel, though they weren't quite as preposterous as his effort from the goalsquare against Hawthorn in round six. Midway through the first quarter he went for a banana kick from the top of the goalsquare and hit the wrong part of the ball, when perhaps an elementary right-footer would have been the better option. The error was further highlighted when the ball immediately rebounded for the Tigers first goal. In the second term Bruce again tried to be too cute, his dribbling effort from 15 metres hitting the post when perhaps a regulation drop punt would have been more appropriate. He also muffed set-shot snaps on either foot and by half-time he'd blazed 1.5. At least he'd outscored the Tigers, who'd tallied just 1.4 between them. Bruce finished with 2.5.
Josh Bruce would love to have his time back here. #AFLSaintsTigers pic.twitter.com/QjGqZkdSmB
— AFL (@AFL) July 8, 2017
5. Longer powers on with thigh problem
It seemed Saints ruckman Billy Longer would be doomed to an early night when he was troubled by a suspected hamstring issue early in the first quarter. After receiving treatment and returning to the field late in the first term with his right thigh strapped, Longer took a contested mark but still seemed proppy and at times felt for the back of his thigh. But Longer pushed through the discomfort and competed with his usual fierceness, comfortably winning his duel with Tigers big man Toby Nankervis, and winning many admirers along the way.
