Lethargic Saints survive Bombers scare
St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin will spend at least one more week on the sidelines as he recovers from concussion, with the Saints taking a conservative approach with their young star.
St Kilda's Jack Steven gets a handball away against the Bombers. Photo: Julian Smith, AAP.
McCartin was rested from yesterday’s surprisingly hard-fought twilight win over Essendon after he suffered a concussion – his third of the season – against Gold Coast.
The 20-year-old has now suffered five concussions in the past two years, which led to speculation he would not take the field again this season.
But he was in the rooms at Etihad Stadium after the win over the Bombers and coach Alan Richardson reported he was tracking well towards a return.
“If it hadn’t been that he’d had three knocks, he’d probably be pretty close to playing this week,” Richardson said.
“They haven’t been big knocks … but just because he’s had a few knocks, we’ll be pretty conservative.
“He’ll play footy again this year, there’s no doubt about that, we’re really pleased with the way he’s going.
“I would hope he would perhaps only miss another one, another two max. But once again, that will be up to the medical staff … whatever they say goes.”
St Kilda survived a huge scare from lowly Essendon, escaping with a thrilling 11-point win.
For long periods of the clash the Saints had the air of a side that just expected things to happen for them against the suspension-ravaged, bottom-placed Bombers.
But John Worsfold’s side had all the momentum when they led by seven points midway through the final term before Maverick Weller stepped up with two late goals as St Kilda broke Bomber hearts with a 17.7 (109) to 14.14 (98) win.
Essendon trailed by nine points heading into the final term but appeared destined to snap their 12-game losing streak when Zach Merrett goaled in the 17th minute to extend their lead to seven points.
It had been all the Bombers to that point of the quarter, with Joe Daniher bringing the crowd to their feet with a soaring mark and Mitch Brown booting a brilliant goal in traffic to level the scores.
But the Saints shook off their lethargy to finish the stronger side in front of 25,204 fans.
St Kilda play Melbourne at Etihad Stadium next Sunday and the Western Bulldogs at the same venue the week after.
Saints defender Shane Savage was taken from the ground in the final term yesterday after a heavy collision with Essendon forward Joe Daniher.
Richardson said he was dazed but would be fine to take on the Demons next week.
-AAP
