AFL 2024 round eight LIVE updates: Webster, Simpkin tangle as Saints take control in clash with Roos; Swans earn bragging rights

St Kilda first-year star Angus Hastie has booted his first AFL goal after a couple of early appearances in 2024.

The former basketballer was drafted late last year and continues to emerge as a Saint to watch with his athleticism and running ability.

It was a lovely kick from distance for Hastie.

Saints 46, Roos 20 with 13 mins to go in Q2.

The Saints are moving away from the Roos to start this second term.

St Kilda kicked the first goal of the term and now Hayes has marked strongly and kicked his second goal.

Saints 38, Roos 20 with 17 mins to go in Q2.

There had been pre-match intrigue over Jimmy Webster’s return from a seven-game suspension, this for a devastating bump on Kangaroos’ co-captain Jy Simpkin during a practice game.

Simpkin was concussed, and also had a delayed start to the season. In a moment of great theatre, it was Simpkin who was first on the scene after Webster’s poor kick, and he let the veteran defender know about the mistake.

To Webster’s credit, he had put up his hand, and acknowledged his error.

Kangaroos’ fans have been calling all season for Sheezel to start in the midfield. Finally, they had their wish granted. So highly did Lyon rate him, that tagger Marcus Windhager was sent to the dynamic ball user.

Sheezel was still busy, finishing with 11 touches for the first term. Windhager, who also finds the ball himself, had nine.

The Saints look so much more potent with Max King in the line-up, the big forward returning from a knee issue to boot one of three-straight goals to end the term, the Saints with a six-point lead.

The Saints dominated early, their chip-and-charge game earning Ross Lyon’s team the opening goal of the evening, thanks to Darcy Wilson, and a 14-1 advantage in marks.

But the Kangaroos’ switch was suddenly flicked when ruckman Tristan Xerri won a centre clearance and youngster George Wardlaw, already a fan favourite, delivered a superb running goal to get their side on the scoreboard.

There was more joy for the Kangaroos minutes later when another of their young guns, Harry Sheezel, found Cam Zurhaar on the lead. The off-contract forward duly made the most of the silver service.

The Kangaroos dominated clearances, and then had a moment to crow about when Jimmy Webster, with ball in hand in the back pocket, lost his composure, and passed straight to Tom Powell just inside 50. Powell duly converted, the Kangaroos with three on the board.

The Roos fired up early but the Saints have powered to the siren kicking some vital goals and taking the lead in what has been a fiery match.

But the Roos are paying dearly for their errors, that could be what decides this contest.

Tim Membrey has pulled in a strong mark and kicked his first goal of the day.

The Saints are finishing this term strongly while the Roos are starting to lose their cool a little or have decision go against them like the out of bounds on the full decision before Membrey’s goal.

Saints 26, Roos 20 with 42 seconds left in Q1.

Jack Hayes is back in the side today and he has pushed forward, marked and kicked a goal on his return.

The Saints clearly love having him back in the side.

Saints 20, Roos 20 with three mins to go in Q1.

The Roos can’t afford any unforced errors but that is what happened on the last play as they threw Saints forward Max King to the ground off the ball and a free kick was called 20m in front of goal.

King kicked the major. Costly one for the Roos.

Roos 20, Saints 14 with seven mins to go in Q1.

Saints defender Jimmy Webster is back today after serving his ban for a bump that knocked out Roos’ star Jy Simpkin in a pre-season game.

He just made a horrible turnover by foot in the defensive 50m and was punished by Tom Powell, who marked and goaled.

Simpkin was closest to Webster and remonstrated with him for the error. It has been a fiery start.

Roos 18, Saints 8 with 11 mins to go in Q1.