“It was tough to stomach”: Matthew Lloyd criticises ‘disappointing’ St Kilda following lacklustre defeat to the Blues

Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd has taken aim at St Kilda following their uninspired performance in Friday night’s 15-point defeat to Carlton.

The Saints started strongly, registering three of the first four goals within the opening 12 minutes, but managed to find the back of the net only six more times throughout the rest of the match.

Lloyd commended Carlton for executing their game plan effectively, expressing his satisfaction with their victory.

“It was a tough watch,” Lloyd shared with 3AW.

“As a St Kilda supporter, I would leave feeling frustrated, questioning if we genuinely gave ourselves a shot at winning or if we were only ever in the game if it was a low-scoring affair.”

“Carlton had the talent on the field; it was inevitable they’d score their 11 goals.”

“Both teams had 46 entries inside 50, but Carlton appeared significantly more threatening.”

“I’m pleased they took the win as they approached the game more positively than St Kilda did.”

The third quarter proved particularly challenging, with both teams managing just a solitary goal each as the match descended into a series of stoppages.

Former player Jimmy Bartel echoed Lloyd’s frustrations with St Kilda’s approach, feeling they didn’t set themselves up for success offensively.

“Way too many of their entries were just mindlessly booted along the boundary. We often criticise teams for being overly defensive, and St Kilda were just too negative tonight,” Bartel remarked.

“While I understand they are lacking in size and fans might say, ‘We only have Cooper Sharman and Anthony Caminiti up forward’, you still need to challenge the opposition. You have to make them bring the ball to ground, which would then allow players like Jack Higgins to get involved.”

“If you keep resorting to low, slow entries to the boundary line, it’s going to be a struggle for your small forwards, even when they’re in the right position.”

St Kilda will travel to Perth to take on West Coast next Sunday, while Carlton will also head interstate to face Sydney on Friday night.