The Bulldogs, down only 15 points deep into the third quarter at Tatura Park, gave themselves every chance of claiming its first win since round one 2024, but a wayward 1.6 in the final term and some heroic individual performances saw the Saints claim a hard-fought 16.9 (105) to 10.13 (73) win.
Tom Sullivan was everywhere with 40 disposals and three goals, his first of the third quarter getting the Bulldogs as close as 11 points and keeping the blue, red, and white faithful on the edge of their seats.
Sean Johns (three goals) and Finn Radley also lifted to keep Tatura within striking distance, with the margin 10, 17, and 23 points at each break.
The Saints, however, were in no mood to entertain any thought of a long-awaited breakthrough for their opposition.
David Mennen and Kevin Maroney were rock-solid in defence, while Michael Mummery fired off eight goals in his best return for his new club.
But it was a “warrior” performance from their skipper that proved the Saints’ most influential.
Chris Welsh collected 35 disposals, six marks, and two vital goals to help Benalla clinch its third win of the season, embedding itself at the edge of the top six.
The Bulldogs looked a different side with the inclusions of coach Andrew Ciavarella, Michael Archer, Curtis Ryan, Sean Johns, Mitch Elliott, and Saints coach Nick Pearson was unsurprised at Tatura’s fight.
“They came out firing - we knew they would,” Pearson said.
“We never really broke that 30-point barrier; every time we thought we were a chance to kick away, they’d peg one back.
“It was a good challenge for us because we're obviously still learning new systems and new styles of how to play.
“We’re slowly hitting our straps, but they challenged us in some areas of the ground, and they always responded really well.”
Mummery’s haul carried him to 17 majors from his four games, a beneficiary of increased minutes on his return from injury, while Pearson also lauded his “overlooked” skipper.
“Michael didn't play rounds one or two,” he said.
“We gave him 60 per cent game time in round three and he kicked two goals, 70 per cent in round four when he kicked three goals, and 80 percent in round five for four.
“He’ll go back to 100 per cent game time next week, which is awesome for us.
“(Welsh) is a warrior. He probably gets overlooked by some external clubs, they don't put too much attention into him.
“He gets going in the middle, he's fearless, he works hard all day and he’s still young. He’s played a lot of senior footy but he's only 26 years old.”
The Saints sit seventh after winning three of their past four games, and they’ll be buoyed by the potential returns of Nick Mellington and Tom Bennett ahead of an imposing match-up against the undefeated Shepparton Bears.
Meanwhile, Tatura will head to Deakin Reserve to face Shepparton United in round seven with a renewed sense of confidence after its closest game since round 18 2024.
The four points went begging against the Saints – but the Bulldogs might yet be seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.
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