Saints v Blues - snippets

TURNING POINT:
Brett Ratten promised pre-match that his Blues would attack from the outset and that's exactly what they did, racing to a 23-point lead midway through the opening term. St Kilda had no answers to the pace and inventiveness of the Carlton midfield with Marc Murphy particularly impressive. But the Saints booted two goals to end the term - Jason Gram having a hand in both of them - to edge closer. The first came when he darted through the middle before bombing long to Fraser Gehrig, who converted from 40m out. Gram then took matters into his own hands, bursting away to goal right on the siren. From there, the Saints had all the momentum, kicking 17 goals to eight after quarter-time to notch up a comfortable win.

CLASSIC GRAB:
Aaron Fiora isn't normally known for his high leaping but he gave Saints fans a taste of the 1970s with a classic one-grab mark early in the last quarter when he jumped onto the shoulder of Blue Darren Pfeiffer to haul in a genuine 'speccy'.

STAR MAN:
Xavier Clarke played arguably his best game for St Kilda with a starring role up forward. The 24-year-old racked up 21 disposals and took eight marks, and more importantly capped off his night with three goals that set the Saints on their way to victory.

ABSOLUTE SHOCKER:
There weren't many dirty moments for St Kilda but this was the case of the one that got away. After taking a mark on the boundary line about 15m from goal, captain Nick Riewoldt inexplicably tried to handball to an unmarked Fraser Gehrig in the goalsquare. Unfortunately for the Saints, the G-Train wasn't really paying attention and he spilled the ball, allowing Carlton to mop up and rebound from their defence.

WHAT A GOAL!
Carlton goalsneak Eddie Betts saved the best for last when he slotted a brilliant banana kick on his left foot deep in the forward pocket late in the match. It was one of few highlights for Blues fans but is sure to attract a Goal of the Year nomination.

UNSUNG HERO:
Bret Thornton doesn't usually rate the plaudits of his more illustrious team-mates but the hard-working Carlton defender put in one of his best performances for the club on Saturday night. Matched against key forward Justin Koschitzke, Thornton played with flair as he held 'Kosi' to just five touches and no goals, while picking up 22 disposals himself. Not only that but he rebounded the ball out of his defensive 50 on eight occasions, by far the most of any Carlton player.