1. Kennedy's bag the difference
With key defenders Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown sidelined, Logan Austin battled against the odds to keep danger man Josh Kennedy under control, but it all unravelled quickly as the two-time Coleman medallist went on a four-goal run in the third quarter. It proved the difference in a match that tightened up late. Kennedy kicked his first of the term from 45m, earned his second after a crunching tackle on Jimmy Webster, was paid a free kick in a marking contest for his third, and snapped his fourth out of traffic. The big Eagle went on to finish with six, shooting him into the top five on the Coleman Medal leaderboard, with 27 for the season. The Eagles would have been in strife without him.

EAGLES' 10 STRAIGHT Full match coverage and stats

Josh Kennedy's third-quarter burst was crucial in the end. Picture: AFL Photos

2. Is this the Saints' turning point?
While Saturday night's loss extended the Saints’ winless run to 10 matches, the fourth quarter could prove a turning point for Alan Richardson's men. The visitors were quick out of the blocks and brought the pressure that was once their trademark, kicking seven goals to one for the quarter, including six straight to close out the game. The Saints face Sydney at Etihad Stadium next week and, with only a draw to their name since round one, will be desperate to avoid a seventh consecutive loss. While the wastefulness with the ball going inside 50 was still there at times, the Saints’ form is heading in the right direction.

3. Darling down
The bye has come at a good time for Jack Darling after the star forward suffered a rolled ankle that initially looked much worse. Darling, who has been the game’s most powerful marking presence this season with a league-high 31 contested grabs, went down in the first quarter after landing on defender Logan Austin’s boot and rolling his right ankle. After staying down for several minutes, the 25-year-old was able to leave the ground with trainers, but his night was soon over and the Eagles will take no risks with the valuable tall. The Eagles have a week off before taking on Sydney at the SCG.

4. Membrey’s radar returns
When the Saints last visited Optus Stadium, Tim Membrey had a nightmare in front of goal, kicking 1.5 and cementing what has been a season-long issue for the former sharpshooter. On Saturday night his mojo returned, with the 24-year-old kicking 6.0 to be undoubtedly his team’s best contributor. Membrey booted them from long-range and mid-range, kicking with confidence and finishing in a flourish with three in the final term. Missed opportunities in front of goal has been the story of St Kilda’s past two seasons, and it has reached new lows in 2018. If they can fix that aspect of their game, they’ll be dangerous opponents.    

5. Stung Sheed shines after recall
Inside midfielder Dom Sheed was a surprising omission going into round 11, with coach Adam Simpson keen to play down the significance of his absence during the week. When final teams were submitted on Saturday, however, the young midfielder was there, replacing star onballer Luke Shuey, who was not quite right to return from a hamstring injury. Sheed didn’t waste his chance to impress, kicking the second goal of the match across his body and going on to win a team-high seven clearances to go with his 26 possessions (13 contested). Shuey is set to return after the Eagles’ bye and it is doubtful Sheed will be the player to make way.