St Kilda’s 22-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs at Docklands has been compounded by injuries to key duo Jack Sinclair and Tom De Koning.
Smashed in their last three outings against the Bulldogs, the Saints were forced to deal with adversity from the start on Sunday when Sinclair went down in the first quarter and De Koning in the second.
St Kilda battled on bravely and stayed in the contest until late but the Bulldogs’ early buffer was enough as they secured a crucial win, 12.11 (83) to 8.13 (61).
St Kilda insisted Sinclair hurt his calf, but they would have serious concerns over an achilles injury after they put his foot in a moon boot when he hobbled from the field in pain.
An achilles rupture would rule the Saints co-captain out for the rest of the season, while a calf injury would mean far less time on the sidelines.
Highly-paid recruit De Koning produced a strong start but suffered a heavy hit to the ribs in the second quarter.
St Kilda’s number one ruck was assessed in the rooms, before briefly returning to the field late in the second term.
But De Koning’s condition worsened and he was ruled out of the match during the main break.
The Saints’ other ruck, Rowan Marshall, bravely battled on after receiving treatment on a shoulder injury in the third quarter.
Star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was comfortably St Kilda’s best, having 37 disposals to three-quarter-time and finishing with a career-best 44.
After a heavy loss to Adelaide last week, the Bulldogs responded in workmanlike fashion, with a clear focus on defence.
Against the Crows, the Bulldogs conceded nine first-quarter goals, but on Sunday they blunted St Kilda’s attacking weapons while Buku Khamis and James O’Donnell held down the defensive 50.
Superstar captain Marcus Bontempelli (34 possessions and 13 clearances) was typically excellent, his classy goal late in the second quarter the highlight of a scrappy contest.
His willingness to take ruck contests to help Tim English early in the match was surprising, especially given he has dealt with soreness for most of the season.
The win lifts the Bulldogs to seventh (9-6), with a trip to the SCG to face premiership contenders Sydney to come following their bye next week.
St Kilda (6-9) also have a week off before meeting last-placed Essendon in round 17 as they face an uphill battle to qualify for the wildcard weekend.
AAP
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