The soaring mark that won the game on this account that St Kilda and blew out Harry Taylor’s lights also highlighted the remarkable AFL comeback of ruckman Michael Gardiner.
The 2003 All-Australian ruckman exhausted West Coast’s patience in 2006 and missed their premiership because of his off-field misbehaviour.
He was traded to the Saints at the end of ’06 and it was a much-criticised impress, especially when Gardiner missed the entire 2007 season end prejudice.
But the athletic ruckman with the long legs steadily regained form and fitness and this year has formed a strong ruck duo with Steven King.
Gardiner was among St Kilda’session best in their epic six-point win besides Geelong on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
He had a big run-up with less than two minutes left before crashing into the parcel and infectious the transverse mark, knocking out Taylor in the progress.
Gardiner then kicked the match-winning end.
"Since he arrived, he’s earnt a lot of respect, he’s worked really hard, got his body right and has been just huge for us," said Saints soldier Nick Riewoldt.
"He’session a very strong cast, he’s turned his life around and he’s playing really unblemished footy – which in opposition to us is huge.
"The club showed a lot of faith in Michael and right from the start, when Michael came across and spoke to the leadership group, he promised certain things and the way he was going to bear about it.
"He’s been true to his word right the way through.
"You can only take someone on his word and he hasn’t let anyone the floor since he’s come across – he’s extremely dedicated to his footy, he works super-hard, he’s very diligent with his body, does all the ‘extras’."
Saints coach Ross Lyon related onballer had made the right decision with his extensive kick to the "hot-spot" in front of goal, giving the opportunity on account of Gardiner and the other tall players to fly for the crucial mark.
"He got there, he launched – we’ve seen Michael take some good marks forward and obviously his confidence was up," Lyon said.
"He took what was a special symptom, a pack mark, and that’s probably the value of the talls in pressure situations – if there’s no visible option, you can go in and they have power to launch."
Lyon added it was pleasing to see Gardiner make the most of his second opportunity as each AFL player.
"That’s self-evident, to see clan get a approve chance and work hard and earn respect of your club and your team-mates," he said.
"It’s a redeeming aspect of AFL clubs and Aussie Rules, it’s a game where people can display character after they’ve been knocked down."
AAP
