Sydney has belted a hapless St Kilda by 51 points to consolidate its push for a finals spot. The Saints were never in the hunt as the Swans dominated all around the ground, extending a 16-point margin at half-time to 46 at the last change before running out 12.11 (83) to 4.8 (32) winners.

Both sides came into the game with 8-5 records, with Sydney moving up to sixth with the win to boost their finals aspirations after a disappointing loss to Port Adelaide last round.

Jake Lloyd produced a vintage display down back with a season-high 39 disposals and 478 metres gained, while Nick Blakey had 31 disposals with a game-high 560 metres gained.

Nomadic Swans ruckman Tom Hickey was brilliant upon his return from a toe injury in the absence of the suspended Peter Ladhams, with 22 disposals including seven clearances and 15 contested possessions as well as a late goal.

Ryan Clarke, who restricted Saints breakout star Jack Sinclair to 17 disposals, finished with two goals along with Tom Papley, while Isaac Heeney booted a game-high three majors.

Saints captain Jack Steele was impressive on his return for the first time since sustaining an AC injury in round nine with 27 disposals and eight touches. Sebastian Ross (31 disposals) had plenty of footy but wasn't overly damaging, symbolic of St Kilda's issues.

The Saints struggled to score throughout the game, managing only two goals up until three quarter-time, one being a gift via a dubious 50m penalty for Tim Membrey as Max King (eight disposals, four marks and no goals) was shut down.

St Kilda's 2.6 at three-quarter time was the club's lowest tally to that point since 2014. Their final score was the lowest ever by a Ratten-coached side, while it was St Kilda's lowest ever against the Swans.

Sydney held the visitors at arm’s length in the first half, with a 16-point half-time lead before blowing the game apart with a five-goal third term headlined by Papley's two goals, including the 200th of his career.

Sydney lesser lights shine
Callum Mills and Luke Parker have arguably been the leading contributors to Sydney's strong 2022, but both were below their usual standards, yet the Swans still controlled the game despite no glaring discrepancies among the team statistics with 388-373 possessions and 55-45 inside 50s. The likes of Oliver Florent (27 disposals and 12 marks), fresh from signing a two-year extension, and Dylan Stephens (23 disposals), who got a late call-up with Justin McInerney and Harry Cunningham out due to health and safety protocols, impressing. It was a good sign of the Swans' midfield depth.

SYDNEY            3.1       4.6       9.10       12.11 (83)
ST KILDA           1.2       2.2       2.6     4.8 (32)

GOALS 
Sydney: Heeney 3, Clarke 2, Papley 2, Franklin, Florent, Hayward, Parker, Hickey
St Kilda: Butler, Membrey, Billings, Windhager

BEST 
Sydney: Lloyd, Hickey, Blakey, Papley, Florent, Franklin
St Kilda: Steele, Marshall, Ross, Wanganeen-Milera

INJURIES 
Sydney: Nil
St Kilda: Nil

SUBSTITUTES 
Sydney: Lewis Taylor (unused)
St Kilda: Darragh Joyce (unused)