AFL: St Kilda stun Geelong in seven-point upset

St Kilda produced one of the biggest shocks of the 2025 AFL season, holding off a fast-finishing Geelong to claim a gritty seven-point win under the roof at Marvel Stadium, 15.8 (98) to 13.13 (91) on Saturday night.

The Saints burst out of the blocks with a six-goal opening term and led by as much as 41 points in the third quarter before Geelong surged late, only for the hosts to hold firm and bank their first win of 2025.

Ross Lyon’s side, coming off a 63-point belting from Adelaide, were unrecognisable from a week ago. Their pressure, pace, and contested work overwhelmed a Geelong side missing Bailey Smith (calf) and losing key defender Tom Stewart (knee) midway through the second quarter.

St Kilda dominated disposals and territory early, surging to a 29-point buffer by the main break.

Jack Sinclair (two goals) and Marcus Windhager were instrumental in setting the tone through the middle, while Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera carved Geelong up on the rebound.

Windhager added two goals and kept Max Holmes quiet, while Jack Higgins booted four goals in a lively performance up forward.

The Saints had contributors everywhere.

Isaac Keeler marked his debut with a goal and solid forward presence, Mitch Owens was crucial in arresting momentum before three-quarter time, and Liam O’Connell and Anthony Caminiti produced key defensive efforts in the final term.

Despite the absence of Stewart and the late withdrawal of Smith, the Cats rallied. After being held to one goal in the first quarter, they clawed their way back into the contest with a strong second half.

Mark Blicavs shifted into the ruck, Jeremy Cameron pushed higher up the ground, and young sub Ted Clohesy injected energy, kicking two goals. Tyler Stengle and Max Holmes also chipped in, but despite winning the final quarter four goals to one, Geelong fell short.

A critical moment came when Brad Close’s would-be goal late in the last term was overturned upon review, with Wanganeen-Milera’s boot judged to have brushed the ball. That touch ultimately preserved the Saints’ narrow lead.

The win marked St Kilda’s fourth straight over Geelong at Marvel Stadium, with the venue becoming a growing problem for the Cats.

The result leaves both sides at 1-1 after contrasting Round 1 performances, where Geelong thrashed Fremantle by 78 and the Saints were hammered by Adelaide.

Stewart’s knee injury now looms as a major concern for Geelong, potentially sidelining the five-time All-Australian for several weeks.

Saint Hunter Clark also failed to finish the match after a concussion late in the second term.

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