Saints sink North in night of drama

St Kilda became the first victim of the league's controversial new interchange rule on Saturday night but that did not stop the Saints from posting a crucial 15-point victory over North Melbourne at Gold Coast Stadium.

A drib and drab affair came to life in the second half as the Saints fought their way back from a 22-point deficit with six goals in the final quarter to win 12.12 (84) to 9.15 (69) and take the Kangaroos' place in the eight.

But it was the league's new interchange rule which was the talking point from the game and no doubt for much of the next seven days.

The Kangaroos were handed a goal on a platter 14 minutes into the final quarter when the Saints were penalised for having 19 players on the field, albeit only for an instant.

Luke Ball ran onto the field of play before Andrew McQualter, the player he was replacing, had run through the interchange gates.

The play had been deep in St Kilda's forward line when the infringement occurred but, under the league's new rule, introduced earlier this year following the draw between Sydney and the Kangaroos, North was awarded a shot at goal 50 metres from the centre.

The free kick allowed Daniel Harris to goal and put North in front only minutes after the Saints led for the first time since early in the opening term.

Thankfully, the interchange error did not cost the Saints the game. They promptly booted the final three goals of the match to leave North flailing in their wake.

A St Kilda victory was not on the cards for much of the game.

The Saints, hesitant in their ball movement and unable to string together enough decent passages of play, were appalling in the first quarter and did not score a goal until nine minutes into the second term.

But after breaking their drought their confidence lifted and a more fluid style of play prevailed.

Inspired by Nick Riewoldt, who had another best-on-ground performance, and four goals from Stephen Milne, the Saints' forward line began to function with more system.

Riewoldt, despite having to repeatedly contend with multiple opponents in the air, still managed to take 14 marks.

He was well supported by Justin Koschitzke in the second half. Koschitzke kicked two goals, including one which put the Saints within a kick in the last term.

For the Kangaroos, it was a match they threw away and could be the difference between them playing in finals or bowing out before September. They will head into their week off in 10th position.

Despite another strong performance from Brent Harvey, the Kangaroos' forward line was impotent after quarter-time.

Matt Campbell, with three goals, was dangerous at ground level but Nathan Thompson and Corey Jones had little influence on the match. Riewoldt did and that's why his team will be in the eight after this round.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 4.4, 6.7, 8.11, 9.15 (69)
ST KILDA: 0.3, 4.3, 6.7, 12.12 (84)

GOALS: North Melbourne: Campbell 3, Hale, Harding, Harris, Harvey, Petrie, Wells
St Kilda: Milne 4, Koschitzke 2, Armitage, Eddy, S. Fisher, King, Montagna, Riewoldt
BEST: North Melbourne: Harvey, Petrie, Simpson, Campbell, Gibson
St Kilda: Riewoldt, Milne, Ball, Koschitzke, Dal Santo, Fisher
INJURIES: North Melbourne: Nil
St Kilda: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: James, Sully, McInerney
CROWD: 9,128 at Gold Coast Stadium

Sportal AFL Player of the Year votes
3. Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
2. Brent Harvey (North Melbourne)
1. Stephen Milne (St Kilda)