St Kilda teenager Eli Templeton is set to have surgery on his broken arm, topping off a tough week for the Saints in New Zealand.

Brisbane held on for a three-point win in their AFL round-six Anzac Day clash in Wellington on Friday, beating the Saints 12.10 (82) to 11.13 (79).

The loss of Templeton, an 18-year-old midfielder who had been elevated from the rookie list and shown good form in his debut season, is a bitter blow for new coach Alan Richardson.

St Kilda have slumped back to a 3-3 win-loss record and face premiers Hawthorn in a tough encounter on May 3.

“Eli has broken his arm. He’s in hospital now,” Richardson told reporters on Friday night.

“He won’t come home with the team. It looks like it’s going to be Monday he’ll come back and have surgery in Melbourne.

“On the back of Nathan Wright breaking his leg a couple of weeks ago we’ve lost a couple of our young guys, and it’s important we get some footy into those young blokes early in their career so it’s disappointing.

“Another player will get an opportunity.

“It sounds a little bit insensitive but, unfortunately, that’s footy, that’s where we’re at.

“He’s been really good for us, Eli, so it’s disappointing to lose him.”

Templeton is set to miss several months.

The Saints had the last shot at goal for the match, with Farren Ray missing under pressure on the run.

Trailing by 25 points at halftime, the Saints fought back strongly with seven goals to Brisbane’s four in the second half. Veterans Leigh Montagna and Lenny Hayes were dominant, with Montagna winning the Anzac Day Medal.

St Kilda have hosted two games in Wellington in the past two years, losing to Sydney and now Brisbane. Friday’s game attracted a crowd of 13,409.

The Saints have a five-year deal to play an annual game in the Kiwi capital. The deal expires after the 2018 season.

“They’ve certainly embraced the team,” Richardson said.

“To see the colours around the streets during the week really gave our guys a lift.”