Rain falls during a lightning delay during the St Kilda and Port Adelaide clash at RSEA Park, October 31, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

A SAVAGE electrical storm and lightning strikes in the vicinity of RSEA Park has caused an extreme weather delay in the St Kilda and Port Adelaide clash on Saturday afternoon.

Play got through to the half-time break in relatively dry conditions before the storm broke just after players left the field.

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Earlier this year the AFL lengthened the enforced return-to-rooms delay due to lightning to 30 minutes, with a further ten minute warm-up period for AFLW games before play can resume.

The official AFL Lightning Guidelines are to be applied when lightning is detected within a 10km radius of the field of play.

Play resumed at 2.55pm in bright sunshine, as only Melbourne can provide.

00:29

Lightning strikes: Saints and Power clash put on hold

Play is suspended at RSEA Park after a fierce thunderstorm hits during the half-time break between St Kilda and Port Adelaide

At the time of the break the Power held a small lead as they chase a large win for a necessary percentage boost if they are to be any chance to steal a finals position.

More to come