Second-half blitz powers St Kilda to 82-point rout over Richmond

St Kilda delivered a devastating second-half performance to dismantle Richmond by 82 points in the final edition of Maddie’s Match at Marvel Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Saints booted 14 goals to two after half-time to transform a tight contest into a commanding 20.15 (135) to 7.11 (53) victory — their second win of the 2025 AFL season.

Richmond had shown plenty of fight early, and even led midway through the second term, but faded badly after the main break under relentless St Kilda pressure.

With captain Jack Steele a late withdrawal due to a knee issue, debutant Tobie Travaglia was elevated into the starting 22 and impressed with 18 disposals in his first outing.

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The match pivoted on the Saints’ ability to control the tempo and use the ball with polish, led by their elite trio of distributors — Jack Sinclair, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Bradley Hill.

Sinclair was immense with a career-best 40 disposals at 85% efficiency, 684 metres gained and 10 score involvements, while Wanganeen-Milera added 29 touches and showcased his trademark poise.

Up forward, Mitch Owens was electric, kicking a career-high-equalling four goals, with Jack Higgins and Mason Wood chipping in three each as the Saints finished with 10 individual goalkickers.

Owens’ third-term double helped blow the game open, while St Kilda’s pressure around the ball completely overwhelmed Richmond’s young defence.

For the Tigers, Seth Campbell was a rare bright spot with three goals, including a pair in the first half that kept his side in touch.

However, Richmond managed just 2.6 after half-time as their inexperience and fatigue showed against a well-drilled St Kilda outfit.

Tom Lynch, returning from suspension, was well held and frequently distracted by physical battles with Callum Wilkie.

In one fiery exchange, teenager Hugo Garcia sprinted off the bench to shove the much bigger Lynch, delighting the Saints faithful.

Lynch managed just two touches after the second quarter and had minimal scoreboard impact.

An incident involving Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell is likely to attract scrutiny, after a push on Liam O’Connell resulted in the young Saint colliding heavily with two players and being subbed out with concussion.

Despite missing several key names, including Steele and losing O’Connell mid-match, Ross Lyon’s Saints flexed their depth and maturity to steamroll the Tigers.

It marked Richmond’s 11th consecutive loss at Marvel Stadium, continuing a dismal run at the venue dating back to Damien Hardwick’s infamous “I hate Marvel” remark in 2021.

The win was not only significant for St Kilda’s ladder position but also as a fitting send-off for Maddie’s Match, which has raised awareness and funds for Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome since 2015 in honour of Nick Riewoldt’s late sister.

St Kilda now turn their focus to a crucial clash with Port Adelaide in South Australia next week, while Richmond will face reigning premiers Brisbane at the MCG.

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