St Kilda underlined the end of an era, handing Brisbane a 139-point AFL thrashing in a record-setting performance at Telstra Dome.

While the Saints were guaranteed fourth spot regardless of the result, the 28.18 (186) to 7.5 (47) massacre ensured the Lions would miss the finals for the first time since 1998.

It was the Saints' biggest winning margin, beating the 131-point win over Adelaide in 1991, and their third-highest score, plus their highest score and biggest winning margin against the Lions.

It was also the first time Brisbane had lost by more than 100 points since becoming the Lions in 1996.

Small forward Stephen Milne was best afield with 11 goals and captain Nick Riewoldt also starred with 14 marks and six goals.

Sydney's win earlier meant St Kilda would finish fourth, regardless of what else happened this weekend.

Saints full-forward Fraser Gehrig (groin) and key defender Matt Maguire (hip) were late withdrawals in an effort to ensure they will be fit for the first week of the finals.

St Kilda will now meet Adelaide in next Saturday night's first qualifying final at AAMI Stadium, after the Crows beat West Coast by eight points late Saturday afternoon to take the minor premiership.

The Eagles will host the Swans on Friday night in the other qualifying final.

St Kilda went into the match with an undermanned defence and without several key players because of injury - Gehrig, Maguire, Justin Koschitzke, Luke Penny, Max Hudghton, Sam Fisher and Xavier Clarke.

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