The Saints exploded away from the Kangaroos at The Dome - at one stage leading by as much as 48 points. But as is the Kangaroos way, they refused to lie down and clawed their way back into the game before hitting the front midway through the last quarter. But St Kilda rallied with Fraser Gehrig kicking the winning goal inside the last minute to secure the five-point win. It capped off a memorable day for Gehrig who finished with nine goals. Robert Harvey (26 possessions), Stephen Powell (24) and Lenny Hayes (24) were the stars for the winners. Shannon Grant and Adam Simpson were the best for the Kangaroos.
Port Adelaide stunned the West Coast Eagles at AAMI Stadium in a match that was expected to be a far closer affair. Port won by 64 points with Warren Tredrea's six goals the highlight performance of the match. Dean Brogan further enhanced his reputation as a quality ruckman, dominating at stoppages and around the ground. Ben Cousins tried hard for West Coast along with Michael Braun but they were given precious little support.
Collingwood trounced Richmond at the MCG on Friday night by 69 points and is still well and truly in the hunt for a top four finish. Nathan Buckley was brilliant as was Scott Burns and Paul Licuria. Jarrod Molloy (four goals) was the most effective forward. Mark Coughlan, Greg Tivendale and Andrew Kellway were the best of an ordinary lot for the losers.
The Western Bulldogs scored their second win of the season (both over Geelong), this time downing the Cats by 18 points at Skilled Stadium. Brad Johnson was outstanding - 24 touches and four goals. Scott West, Rohan Smith and Luke Darcy completed the quality quartet which dictated the course of the match. Cameron Ling was the best for a Geelong side that would have been bitterly disappointed.
Sydney scored an uninspiring but important 31-point win over Carlton at Princes Park. Michael O'Loughlin was the star up forward for the Swans finishing with five goals. Further up the ground it was the work of Jude Bolton and Darryn Creswell that set up the Swans. Brendan Fevola (six goals) was the best for the Blues who battled the game out well after being almost nine goals down at one stage.
Hawthorn set themselves a big task - trailing Melbourne by 28 points early in the last quarter - but proved equal to the job, over-running the Demons to record an important seven-point win. Jade Rawlings continued his superb season, kicking five goals and collecting 19 possessions. Sam Mitchell, Adrian Cox and Richard Vandenburg were excellent contributors. Travis Johnstone, Adem Yze and James McDonald tried hard for the Demons.
Fremantle and Adelaide played out a thiller at Subiaco Oval and it was the home side that maintained its unbeaten home record. Jeff Farmer kicked four goals for the winners. Peter Bell, Troy Cook and Paul Haselby won plenty of the ball in the midfield. Mark Riccito (36 touches) was clearly the best player on the ground. Brett (four goals) and Andrew McLeod 925 possessions) were useful contributors for the Crows.
