We take a look at the numbers between Essendon and St Kilda ahead of Saturday night's match at Etihad Stadium.

Head to Head

Played: 207
Essendon: 139
St Kilda 64
Draw: 4

Last Five

R4, 2013, Essendon 19.14 (128) d St Kilda 13.13 (91) at Etihad Stadium

R15, 2012, St Kilda 21.7 (133) d Essendon 8.14 (62) at Etihad Stadium

R3, 2011, Essendon 21.10 (136) d St Kilda 12.12 (84) at Etihad Stadium

R18, 2010, Essendon 16.12 (108) d St Kilda 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium

R8, 2010, Essendon 14.9 (2013) d St Kilda 11.15 (81) at Etihad Stadium

 

Key Players

• Jobe Watson has enjoyed his past seven encounters against St Kilda, averaging 32 disposals

• Despite growing up a St Kilda fan, Michael Hurley received both of his Rising Star nominations in games against the Saints and was on track for another best-on-ground performance last year before being struck by injury

• Nick Riewoldt remains the big threat up forward for St Kilda, the Saints captain has averaged three goals in his past four games against the Bombers

Take Note

• Essendon provided their forwards with much more of the ball in 2013, sitting equal third for inside 50’s while the Saints created nine less opportunities per match, sitting third last.

• The Bombers haven’t played the Saints in a final for 41 years, the second longest streak for the Bombers behind the Bulldogs

• The Bombers and Saints have played 13 times in round 5, with Essendon winning on 11 occasions and the Saints two