In the dying moments of the match, McDonald, positioned 50 meters out and directly in front, had a chance to give the Swans the lead with just 60 seconds left. Unfortunately, his kick veered left, sealing a two-point victory for the Saints.
This wasn’t McDonald’s first brush with late-game drama. Just last week, he fell short with a long-range shot after the siren against Fremantle, resulting in a one-point loss at the SCG.
The Saints mounted an impressive comeback, scoring eight of the last ten goals to overturn a deficit and clinch a 13.6 (84) to 11.16 (82) win over the Swans.
Adding to Sydney’s woes, star player Isaac Heeney faces scrutiny from the Match Review Officer for an incident involving Jimmy Webster. During a tense third quarter, as St Kilda closed in with four unanswered goals, Heeney’s elbow struck Webster in a contested moment, potentially jeopardizing his eligibility in his standout season.
St Kilda’s turnaround was fueled by aggressive play and strategic adjustments, particularly in their defensive efforts against Sydney’s forward line. Despite trailing by 30 points mid-game, the Saints’ resilience and structured defense allowed them to seize control in the final quarter.
The match also showcased a gripping battle in the ruck between St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall and Sydney’s Brodie Grundy, with Marshall’s tactical maneuvers proving pivotal in the contest.
In summary, St Kilda’s ability to adapt and their spirited comeback highlighted their potential when playing with attacking intent, contrasting with Sydney’s struggles to maintain momentum throughout the match.
