1. Bont steps in for Stringer
In the absence of leading goal kicker Jake Stringer the Bulldogs needed someone to stand tall in the forward line. In fact, it was the perfect opportunity for one or both of Tom Boyd and Jack Redpath to take control. But the pair struggled. Redpath had one disposal and one goal to his name at half-time, while Boyd, who pinch-hit in the ruck, had four disposals and nine hit outs. Instead it was young star Marcus Bontempelli who took charge. The versatile Bulldog split his time between playing in the middle and deep forward, and was tough for the Saints defenders to match up on. The Bont was influential in the opening half with 13 disposals and two goals, and kept the Bulldogs well and truly in the hunt. But he couldn't go it alone, and while the finished with 25 disposals and kicked 3.3, it wasn't enough to haul the wounded Dogs over the line.
2. Finals-like football
The footy was fast and ferocious, and there was drama aplenty. In a tight enthralling contest at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, it was the Saints who prevailed and kept their finals hopes alive. They played exciting, daring football and took the game on, pressuring the Bulldogs at every turn. With North Melbourne winning on Friday, the Saints are two wins out of the top eight, and face the Roos next Saturday night in what will be a season-defining game. For the Bulldogs, it was a costly night. They didn't score in the final term, with the loss putting their place in the top four in danger. But more worrying is the mounting injury toll at the Whitten Oval.
3. Skipper stands tall
Nick Riewoldt continues to be an inspiration. The St Kilda skipper was prolific in the second quarter, leading the charge as the Saints wrestled the game back on their terms. Riewoldt kicked three goals in the second term, easily outworking and outmuscling young Bulldogs defender Fletcher Robert on a number of occasions. He had a slight scare, coming off after copping a knock to his troublesome knee, but played out the game with ease. The skipper continued to cause havoc for the Bulldogs, finishing with four goals for the night. He worked tirelessly all night, guiding his young side to their ninth victory of the season.
4. Jack in a box
Saints midfielder Jack Steven must be considered for All Australian selection this year. The ball magnet is averaging a career-high 28.6 disposals in what has been his most influential season. Steven burst out of the gate on Saturday night racking up a lazy 12 disposals in the opening term. He had 26 possessions at the main break and was on track to eclipse his personal best of 47 touches, recorded in 2013 against Fremantle in round 23. While he didn't manage to get past his PB, he was by far and away the best player on the ground, finishing with 39 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances and a goal. The 26-year-old has formed a brilliant partnership with ruckman Tom Hickey, who was also influential on Saturday night, with the pair set to be a dynamic duo for years to come.
