St Kilda suffers a 95-point defeat to Brisbane at Marvel Stadium.
What initially seemed like a challenging matchup turned into a dominant display by the Lions, who delivered one of their most comprehensive performances of the season to defeat the Saints 19.10 (124) to 5.9 (39).
Brisbane’s ninth consecutive win keeps them in second place, just half a game behind Sydney, with upcoming matches against GWS, Collingwood, and Essendon to finish the home-and-away season.
The Lions’ performance was ruthless, particularly around the contest. Cam Rayner, continuing his rise as a game-changing star, contributed three goals from 22 disposals. Brisbane outperformed St Kilda in contested possessions (138-97) and clearances (48-27), securing valuable field position.
Oscar McInerney dominated his ruck contest against Rowan Marshall, benefiting Brisbane’s midfield, which capitalized on the advantage. Lachie Neale (33 disposals, 13 clearances) likely increased his Brownlow Medal chances, while Hugh McCluggage (28 disposals, nine clearances, one goal) and Josh Dunkley (20 disposals, seven clearances) were also outstanding in their roles.
Brisbane extended their lead at each break, moving the ball quickly and stretching St Kilda’s typically tight defense across Marvel Stadium. Defensively, the Lions overwhelmed St Kilda with their numbers, forcing turnovers in dangerous positions.
From the early moments of the first quarter until midway through the third, the Lions were unstoppable, scoring 10 consecutive goals.
Joe Daniher kicked four goals and could have added more, while Zac Bailey (three), Charlie Cameron, Logan Morris, and Callum Ah Chee (two each) all contributed to a dynamic forward line.
St Kilda, despite having won five of their last eight games, was never in the contest. Josh Battle stood out as his team’s best player, but the midfield’s struggles made it difficult for both forwards and defenders.
Brisbane set the pace early, leading the contested possession count by 14 in the first quarter. With Morris scoring two goals, they built a 15-point lead. Morris’ first goal came from a contested mark in front of Callum Wilkie, and his second from a ground-level dribble after a mark.
When St Kilda advanced the ball, Harris Andrews often intercepted, while Dayne Zorko and Darcy Wilmot cleaned up any loose ball.
The second quarter was a masterclass from the Lions. They continued to dominate stoppages, with Rayner kicking two goals and participating in five scoring plays for the term, extending the lead to 47 points.
Brisbane’s defensive pressure was outstanding, and their ability to transition the ball quickly from one end of the ground to the other—highlighted by Daniher’s third goal—overwhelmed the Saints.
Rayner’s Continued Rise
After a quiet first quarter, Cam Rayner took control in the second, breaking the game open. He won the first center clearance, which led to a Joe Daniher goal, then converted a set shot from 45 meters. Rayner capped off his performance with a spectacular individual effort from the right forward pocket, shrugging off a defender and executing a superb left-foot snap. He finished with three goals from 22 disposals, highlighting his transformation from an impact player to a game-changing star in his outstanding post-bye form.
Saints Hit a New Scoring Low
Facing the league’s top team, the Saints struggled to score against the Lions. Their difficulties at the contest exacerbated their issues moving the ball. With only 39 inside 50s, they managed just five goals. This was not only their lowest score of 2024 but also the club’s lowest-ever score against Brisbane.
Daniher Steps Up in Hipwood’s Absence
With Eric Hipwood sidelined due to groin soreness, Joe Daniher shouldered extra responsibility alongside young players Logan Morris and Henry Smith. While Morris made a notable impact, particularly in the first quarter, Daniher excelled against the tall Saints defenders. He kicked a set shot from a tight angle in the first quarter, added two more goals in the second, and another in the third. Daniher finished with 4.3 and could have easily added a few more to his tally.
ST KILDA 1.3 1.4 3.7 5.9 (39)
BRISBANE 4.0 9.3 13.6 19.10 (124)
GOALS
St Kilda: Marshall 2, Membrey, Phillipou, Caminiti
Brisbane: Daniher 4, Rayner 3, Bailey 3, Cameron 2, Ah Chee 2, Morris 2, Reville, McCluggage, Fletcher
BEST
St Kilda: Battle, Phillipou, Webster, Sinclair
Brisbane: Rayner, Neale, McCluggage, McInerney, Daniher, Starcevich
INJURIES
St Kilda: Nil
Brisbane: Nil
LATE CHANGES
St Kilda: Ryan Byrnes (illness) replaced by Angus McLennan
Brisbane: Eric Hipwood (groin) replaced by Bruce Reville
SUBSTITUTES
St Kilda: Paddy Dow (replaced Bonner at half-time)
Brisbane: Bruce Reville (replaced Charlie Cameron at three-quarter time)
Crowd: 23,053 at Marvel Stadium