Carlton snapped a 12-match losing streak against St Kilda, winning by 61 points at Etihad Stadium on Monday night, reminiscent of the days the Blues dominated the Saints. Of the first 193 games between the clubs, the Blues won 156.

Irrespective of what you might think of the Blues and their often insufferable fans, this was a result that was good for football. For the first time in a season and a half, neither Geelong nor the Saints are sitting first and second on the ladder. For now, it is Fremantle and Collingwood and in a nice twist, they meet on Friday night at Subiaco. Those of us in Victoria will even get to see it live.

But back to the match at hand. If St Kilda has a weakness it is pace and in that department it was badly exposed by the Blues. Eddie Betts booted five goals and Jeff Garlett four, while Chris Yarran torched the Saints every time he was given time and space forward of centre.

Jarrad Waite's three-goal first quarter set the tone, Setanta O'hAilpin proved a tough match-up and what is becoming clear is that Brendan Fevola's departure has made the Blues less predictable going forward, but no less effective.

Chris Judd's 24 touches were nearly all quality, while Andrew Carazzo mugged Nick Dal Santo, keeping him to just 12 touches, half of them in junk time.

It has been an amazing turnaround for the Blues, who started the season so poorly. No secret that Judd's return after a three-week suspension has been key, but Brett Ratten has loaded up his side with speedy types and it has worked. Both of last year's grand finalists have been beaten by the Blues in the last three weeks, and interestingly with a set-up - small, pacy forwards - that the Bulldogs tried and failed with in the last two years.

So where to for the Saints? We all knew Riewoldt would be a loss, but who knew this big? 22 goals in three matches is not the return of a team with genuine flag aspirations.

Justin Koschitzke was again the subject of bronx cheers. He took six marks, but had just seven touches and just isn't having the impact the Saints both hoped and expected he would once Riewoldt was out of the side. Lenny Hayes was brave, but didn't have any help in the midfield.

At 5-2, there is no need for panic stations just yet, but Essendon comes next for the Saints and you can bet that Bomber coach Matthew Knights watched this match carefully. He has at his disposal what the Blues have - pace - and you can bet he will load up his side with as much of it as he can muster. If they can beat the zone and Gumbleton and Hurley can get on the end of a few balls in the forward line, the Bombers will be in with a shot.