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WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.10.7 (67) bt ST KILDA 1.7.5 (56) at Simonds Stadium
WHAT HAPPENED?
The heavens finally opened with a bang in Southern Victoria as Geelong copped over 50mm of rain in just 30 minutes, leaving roads flooded around Simonds Stadium and the ground and its change rooms under water.
But Simonds must have one almighty drainage system for despite the match being delayed by 30 minutes, come game time the surface was ready for footy, just like the Western Bulldogs, who blitzed their opponents in the first 22 minutes by opening up a 33-point lead.
St Kilda may have endured the off-season from hell but maybe these Saints are made of sterner stuff than many imagined as they put aside their tendency to set dwarves on fire long enough to get stuck into the action, with Beau Maister's second goal of the night just after half-time giving Alan Richardson's side a surprise three-point lead.
Yet, Luke Dahlhaus' soon returned fire with his third of the night as the Dogs kicked four of the next five goals to re-take the advantage and ultimately hold on for a 0.10.7 (67) to 1.7.5 (56) victory in a top-notch encounter given the conditions on offer.
ANY FALLOUT
The Bulldogs will be sweating on the health of youngster Nathan Hrovat who was subbed off after a head clash with team-mate Koby Stevens. It wasn't a good look for Hrovat, though, as he had an ice-pack on his jaw.
For the Saints, young gun Jack Steven came off limping during the final term but returned to the fray soon after.
WHO STARRED
Pretty even effort from the Saints as Leigh Montagna picked up 21 touches and a goal while Jack Steven showed signs of his class with 17 disposals.
For the Dogs, the usual suspects of Tom Liberatore (28 possessions), Matthew Boyd (27) and Adam Cooney (21) all saw plenty of the ball but coach Brendan McCartney will be rapt with the efforts of Jack Macrae and the aforementioned Koby Stevens who picked up 27 and 21 touches respectively.
WHAT ABOUT MY FANTASY TEAM?
Jack Macrae was named the Bulldogs best first-year player last season and he looks set to build on that in 2014 as he picked up a stack of touches. For the Saints, he may be still a rookie, but Eli Templeton has a knack for eye-catching goals as he booted two out of the air.
WHAT NEXT
The Western Bulldogs take on Fremantle at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday February 26 while the Saints head to Wagga Wagga to play GWS on Saturday March 1.