Ruthless Tigers dish out AFL lesson to Saints
Richmond has made St Kilda's last great AFL win feel like a lifetime ago, hammering the Saints by nine goals at Docklands on Friday night.
Dion Prestia returned to top form and Jack Riewoldt kicked four goals, as the Tigers pounded the Saints in the first half and enjoyed a regulation 16.15 (111) to 8.9 (57) win.
It is only 12 months since St Kilda belted Richmond in the first half in another July night match at the same venue.
The Saints kicked 14 goals to one in the first half and won by 67 points last year, raising fundamental questions about the Tigers' credentials.
Since that crossroads moments for the two teams, St Kilda's record is six wins, 16 losses and a draw.
The Saints remain without a finals appearance since 2011. Reigning premiers the Tigers are 21-5 and sit on top of the ladder.
External Link: St Kilda v Richmond summary
Alan Richardson's side had won three of their past four and appeared capable of pushing the Tigers.
Richmond kicked six goals to one to kill off the game by quarter-time and it led by 58 points at the main break.
The Saints also had a scare when Bailey Rice was hurt in a marking contest, but he returned to the field in the second quarter.
After a woeful first half – Richmond kicked 11 goals to two – the Saints lifted and squared the third quarter.
The Saints had a rare highlight at the start of the third term when Jack Steven volleyed a goal of the year contender out of mid-air.
External Link: St Kilda v Richmond stats
But the Tigers already had everything they needed from the night. Prestia kicked three goals in a game for the first time in his career and returned to top form.
The premiership midfielder has only managed eight senior games this season because of injury.
Daniel Rioli starred in attack and Dustin Martin showcased some of his best form this season.
Riewoldt also starred on a big night for his extended family.
The game raised $1.5 million for Maddie's Vision, the charity fronted by Riewoldt's cousin and former Saints captain Nick Riewoldt in honour of his younger sister.
Maddie Riewoldt died three years ago from a rare bone marrow disease.
Seb Ross, Jade Gresham and David Armitage were best for the Saints on a rough night.
AFL ladder
External Link: AFL 2018 ladder
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