Saints rout Eagles by 101 points at Marvel, equalling biggest margin over West Coast

St Kilda crushed West Coast by 101 points at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, equalling the Saints’ biggest winning margin against the Eagles and extending West Coast’s losing streak to four. The Eagles arrived off defeats to Sydney, Geelong and Fremantle and found little relief on their trip to Melbourne.

Playing at Marvel for just the second time this season, St Kilda controlled the contest from the outset. West Coast offered little beyond two brief bursts in the second and third quarters. St Kilda’s dominance was reflected on the stats sheet: they pulled clear in disposals and led clearances 24-18.

West Coast also lagged in tackles and in both contested and uncontested possession. The visitors fell away after a score review that was described as bizarre during the game. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was influential as the Saints turned the closing stages into a procession.

For West Coast, a late goal after the siren from Jake Waterman offered scant consolation, though one bright spot was Josh Lindsay reaching 30 disposals for the first time in his short career. The Eagles’ younger brigade showed glimpses, particularly in the third term, but struggled to sustain pressure.

The lopsided margin delivers a handy percentage boost for St Kilda after a poor start to the year. West Coast return home to face Richmond next week after a six-day turnaround, a meeting with another rebuilding side that should offer a clearer read on where they stand.