The win,their fourth from their past six matches,came amid a wide-ranging external review of the Blues’ football department which has Teague under pressure,and speculation Clarkson could replace him.
For supporters of both teams,the result was perplexing. The Saints had been in good form but this result may prove to be a dagger in their finals hopes. They almost certainly will now need to win their remaining three matches to feature in September.
The Blues,already with a long injury list,were forced to use under-sized forward Jack Silvagni in the ruck for three quarters,with some help from Patrick Cripps,after Tom De Koning left the field with a pectoral issue and then left the stadium for scans.
Rowan Marshall and Paul Hunter dominated the hit-outs but it did not matter for Silvagni (25 disposals) was excellent around the ground. He has had a career-best year. Marc Murphy replaced De Koning at half-time and is now two matches shy of 300.
Sam Walsh,tagged by Seb Ross,had 26 disposals,including a career-high three goals,and strengthened his Brownlow Medal claims. Paddy Dow’s resurgence continued,Josh Honey showed good signs,while Cripps went some way to responding to criticismfrom Matthew Lloyd and Leigh Matthews.
Key forward Harry McKay,having returned from a toe issue,underscored his physical and psychological importance by booting five goals and extended his lead atop the Coleman Medal table.