Marvelous four in a row for Saints over Cats at Docklands

St Kilda Saints v Geelong Cats, AFL 2025 round 2 Ben Jensen Saturday night’s clash between St Kilda and Geelong at Marvel Stadium had a familiar vibe, the Saints having won the previous three clashes at the venue. Despite leading by 27 points at three quarter time the Saints only managed to secure a narrow victory, defeating Geelong 15.8 (98) to 13.13 (91). The Saints led by eight goals early in the third term, but the Cats mounted a fierce comeback, making it a nail-biting finish.

One of the pivotal moments of the match was a late goal review that overturned a crucial score for Geelong. Brad Close appeared to have scored a goal, but upon review, it was determined that the ball had come off a St Kilda player’s boot. This decision was instrumental in St Kilda holding on to their lead and ultimately securing the win.

Jack Higgins was a standout for St Kilda, leading the way with four goals. He was supported by teammates Mason Wood, Marcus Windhager, Jack Sinclair, Mitch Owens, and Lance Collard, who each contributed two goals. On the defensive side, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was a constant thorn in Geelong’s side, recording seven intercepts and playing a key role in the Saints’ victory.
Geelong faced several challenges during the match, including injuries to key players. Tom Stewart was subbed out after injuring a knee, and Patrick Dangerfield faced scrutiny for a high elbow incident – ultimately reported.

The match highlighted the contrasting styles and strategies of the two teams. St Kilda’s ability to withstand Geelong’s late surge and their defensive efforts were commendable. On the other hand, Geelong’s resilience and ability to adapt to challenges showcased their fighting spirit. This game will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most exciting encounters of the season. It not only demonstrated the unpredictability of AFL but also the importance of teamwork, strategy, and perseverance. Whether you’re a Saints supporter or a Cats fan, this match was a testament to the passion and excitement that AFL brings to its audience.

AFL 2025 ROUND 2
ST KILDA SAINTS V GEELONG CATS
SATURDAY 22 MARCH 2025, 19:35 AEST
MARVEL STADIUM

ST KILDA SAINTS 6.1, 10.5, 14.6, 15.8 (98) DEFEATED
GEELONG CATS 1.4, 5.6, 9.9, 13.13 (91)

GOALS
ST KILDA SAINTS: Higgins 4, Collard 2, Wood 2, Sinclair 2, Windhager 2, Owens, Collard, Keeler
GEELONG CATS: Clohsey 2, Dempsey 2, Neale 2, Stengle 2, Blicavs, Close, Holmes, Cameron, Knevitt

BEST
ST KILDA SAINTS: Windhager, Macrae, Sinclair, Wanganeen-Milera, Marshall, Higgins
GEELONG CATS: Humphries, Atkins, Guthrie, Cameron, O’Sullivan

INJURIES
ST KILDA SAINTS: Liam Stocker, concussion
GEELONG CATS: Tom Stewart, knee

CHANGES
ST KILDA SAINTS: –
GEELONG CATS: Bailey Smith (calf); replaced in selected side by Ted Clohesy

SUBSTITUTES
ST KILDA SAINTS: Hugo Garcia; replaced Stocker at half-time
GEELONG CATS: Ted Clohesy; replaced Stewart in the second term

REPORTS
ST KILDA SAINTS: –
GEELONG CATS: –

CROWD: 36,663 at Marvel Stadium

GEELONG CATS
NO CHANGE

B: C O’Sullivan, J Henry, M Blicavs
HB: Z Guthrie, J Bowes, L Humphries
C: B Smith, M Holmes, O Dempsey
HF: B Close, G Miers, T Stengle
F: S Neale, J Cameron, P Dangerfield – C
FOLL: S De Koning, T Atkins, T Stewart
INT: O Mullin, M O’Connor, O Henry, M Knevitt, J Clark
EMER Clohesy, M Duncan, R Stanley

ST KILDA SAINTS
IN: I Keeler, L Stocker, M Owens, L Collard
OUT: Z Cordy, A Schoenmaker, H Boyd, A Hastie (ALL omitted)

B: I Keeler, C Wilkie, J Webster
HB: R Byrnes, N Wanganeen-Milera, J Sinclair
C: M Wood, L Stocker, M Windhager
HF: Z Jones, M Owens, B Hill
F: J Higgins, A Caminiti, D Wilson
FOLL: R Marshall, J Steele – C, J Macrae
INT: L Collard, H Clark, M Hall, H Garcia, L O’Connell
EMER: T Travaglia, A Schoenmaker, H Boyd