The Dark Clouds Gathering Over St Kilda’s AFLW Ambitions

The Sunday night game at Marvel Stadium saw Carlton’s revival story unfold, while St Kilda’s woes continued to mount. Carlton’s impressive resurgence under interim coach Josh Fraser has left them two games clear of injury-stricken St Kilda, who lost their AFLW opener without key player Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and managed only eight goals against a formidable Blues defense.

Fraser’s tenure has been marked by his ability to adapt and dominate possession. In this 44-point victory over the Saints, he orchestrated another masterful performance from his team, with Francis Evans standing out – racking up 22 disposals, 12 inside 50s, and a goal.

St Kilda’s struggles are alarming. Despite an off-season spending spree that brought in high-profile recruits, they face the prospect of missing the finals for the third consecutive season. The loss of Wanganeen-Milera, who was replaced by Mason Wood on the sidelines with a calf injury, proved to be the decisive blow for Ross Lyon’s men.

The Saints’ injury list reads like a roll call of AFLW stars, with key players Max King and Jack Sinclair ruled out for the season. It is little wonder that Lyon will face significant pressure to turn St Kilda’s fortunes around next year – and whether he can work his magic again remains to be seen.

Carlton’s resurgence under Fraser stands in stark contrast to St Kilda’s struggles. While Carlton’s revival is a testament to Fraser’s leadership, St Kilda’s woes highlight the long-term challenges facing Lyon in his final season at the helm. The pressure on Lyon to deliver is mounting by the day, and it remains to be seen whether he can overcome the weight of expectation and guide his team towards the finals.

With two rounds remaining, St Kilda’s chances of avoiding another finals drought are slim. Their injury curse continues to ravage their campaign, leaving Lyon facing a daunting task in the months ahead – one that will test his mettle as a coach like never before.