Saints improve scoring, revive finals hopes with win

St Kilda achieved an important victory over Geelong, winning 15.8 (98) to 13.13 (91) on Saturday night. This win boosts their chances for the finals as they showed they can compete with one of the league's strongest teams. The Saints have struggled with scoring this season, ranking 15th in points per game. In contrast, the Cats have led the league with 95.7 points per game. Despite missing key players like Max King and Dan Butler, St Kilda played with determination, responding well to coach Ross Lyon's call for more aggression. The Saints started strong, scoring their best opening quarter against Geelong since 2001. Lyon praised the team’s pressure and scoring ability, noting the impact of their players on the field. Rookie Isaac Keeler and small forward Jack Higgins, who scored four goals, also drew attention for their contributions. Geelong faced challenges, including injuries to key players like Tom Stewart and Jeremy Cameron. They struggled initially and were unable to recover fully despite a strong second half. Coach Chris Scott expressed disappointment over their early performance. Overall, this win is a significant step for St Kilda as they aim for a spot in the finals. Their performance demonstrated potential, especially at home, and has raised hopes for the rest of the season.