<\/strong>MORE AFL NEWS: <\/strong>Dangerfield sent straight to Tribunal after dangerous hit<\/a><\/p>\n However, the win was not without controversy, after a contentious free kick against the Giants allowed Dan Butler to kick the sealer inside the final minute.<\/p>\n After receiving a free kick in his defensive 50, Giants star Callan Ward<\/a> was bumped by Butler on a kick attempt, with the umpire awarding the free kick to the Saints.<\/p>\n Umpire Eleni Glouftsis awarded the free kick against Ward for incorrect disposal, but the Giants star was left scratching his head as he could be heard saying, "a bump is not a tackle".<\/p>\n "You didn't kick it," Glouftsis responded. "If you've had prior, you must successfully dispose of the ball."<\/p>\n The controversial call also left fans split with some believing that the incorrect disposal call was the right one, while others were left just as stunned as Ward.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/rohan_connolly\/status\/1373531880436330496<\/a>https:\/\/twitter.com\/jhudson_10\/status\/1373531716044812294<\/a><\/p>\n The Ward free kick was not the only contentious moment of the final quarter, after the new man on the mark rule was also exploited by Saints star Seb Ross.<\/p>\n With Tim Taranto standing on the 50m arc, Ross went around the Giants star, who was left unable to move due to the new rules, nailing a running goal to put the Saints ahead with just under eight minutes remaining.<\/p>\n Ross's terrific wet-weather finish left Richmond legend Matthew Richardson calling for the controversial rule to be tweaked in order to help defensive teams.<\/p>\n "Don't mind the new man on the mark rule, but we must call play on as soon as the kicker steps off the line," he tweeted.<\/p>\n "Too big of an advantage for shots at goal 45-50 metres out."<\/p>\n It was an incredible courageous performance from Ratten's side, who have as many as nine first-choice players out of the team, with the likes of Rowan Marshall and Max King sidelined.<\/p>\n Jack Billings enjoyed additional midfield time, finishing with 30 disposals and 1 goal, while Tim Membrey was also excellent with three goals and 21 disposals.<\/p>\n St Kilda has a blockbuster showdown with Melbourne next Saturday, while the Giants travel west to take on Fremantle at Optus Stadium in Round Two.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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