AFL round five 2026, scores, results, odds, stats and start time from Adelaide Oval in Adelaide

St Kilda held their nerve to close out the Gather Round with a gutsy, season-shaping win over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, holding off a late surge to give Ross Lyon a crucial result and avoid a 1-4 start.

Saints were the better side for much of the night but were forced to resist Port’s wave of momentum after the home side scored four of the final five goals of the third term.

A controlled performance suddenly turned into scrap, with the margin falling to single digits at the final change as the Adelaide Oval crowd found its voice.

Zak Butters was at the center of it all; While he was driving Port forward with relentless energy and quality, he was also giving away cheap 50 meter penalties and was also reported for using abusive language.

Amidst all the drama, St Kilda refused to withdraw.

Instead, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera delivered the decisive performance. The classy playmaker made 27 disposals and kicked two goals in a display that highlighted his towering influence; it also gives him extra edge given that he could have worn the Port colors had he chosen to leave last year. On a night where composure was everything, Wanganeen-Milera more than nailed it.

St Kilda’s recent response has been measured. When Port swarmed, the Saints responded. They stood behind the ball when play threatened to break down and controlled just enough territory to keep the Force at arm’s length.

Port had chances but repeated attempts were repelled by the disciplined St Kilda defence, who refused to give an inch in the closing stages.

In contrast, Port Adelaide and its superstar Butters showed a rare undisciplined side.

Referee Nick Foot said Butters was reported for using abusive language after awarding a 50-metre penalty as Mitch Owens was lining up to score.

“I’d like to know what the language was that I said because I went up to him after the match for a chat and he said he didn’t want to talk to me,” Butters told Seven after the match.

Lyon admitted post-match that there were gaps his team needed to fix, especially around the competition.

“Tonight was like the third quarter…we could have been better, especially in the first quarter, in terms of competition, pressing and clearing,” Lyon said.

“They really came out on top in the run and the ground ball…it was like minus four. I thought that was really important in those conditions.”

The Saints coach was pleased with his team’s tackling ability, even if their performance wasn’t complete.

“I like that we bring out everything in the psychology of the team,” he said.

“There’s no excuse… in some ways it’s easier to come from behind, because if you’re behind you’re going to be more devastated and lose when you’re ahead.”

Lyon also underlined the emotional resilience within his group, highlighting the story of Jack Higgins, who overcame significant personal adversity to return to the level and play his 150th match.

“When you hear the story…brain surgery…and then to come back and play the way he did, it’s pretty special,” Lyon said.

There were other contributors as well. With Callum Wilkie standing tall in defence, the Saints’ midfield, despite being outplayed around the ball at times, found enough key moments late on to regain control.

All in all, this was a win based as much on resilience as polish, and one that kept St Kilda’s season alive after a shaky opening month.

The focus is already shifting for Lyon.

“I don’t live with emotions. I just live in a weekly cycle, trying and trying to improve,” he said.

St Kilda may still be in the works, but on Sunday night they showed they are fighting to stay in the competition, both in games and throughout the season.