SO FAR THIS YEAR:
St.Kilda have had a mixed season so far and sit in 13th position with six wins.
After a morale-boosting win against the Cats two weeks ago, the Saints had a disappointing loss against Gold Coast last week and will be surely looking to come out firing.
The Saints forward line has proven to be deadly throughout the year scoring over 100-points on eight occasions.
THE TEAM:
B: J. Geary, L. Delaney, D. Roberton
HB: J. Newnes, S. Dempster, S. Gilbert
C: M. Weller, D. Armitage, L. Montagna
HF: T. Membrey, N. Riewoldt, L. Dunstan
F: J. Gresham, J. Bruce, D. Minchington
R: T. Hickey, S. Ross, J. Steven
Interchange from: S. Savage, B. Acres, N. Wright, D. McKenzie
IN: S. Dempster, N. Wright, D. McKenzie
OUT: T. Lee (omitted), P. McCartin (concussion), J. Lonie (omitted)
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Josh Bruce:
Bruce has been a major headache for the Essendon defenders in recent encounters. The talented forward kicked five goals against the last time the two teams met back in round 9. Bruce is just one of many options that the Saints have going forward, and will require constant attention from either Michael Hartley or Patty Ambrose on Sunday afternoon.
Jack Steven:
Steven has been one of the Saints best and most consistent midfielders so far this year. His numbers speak for themselves. He is averaging 27.8 disposals, six tackles and leads the team for both clearances and centre clearances. Steven has also shown an ability to hit the scoreboard, kicking 11-goals for the year so far. His best game for the season game against the Bombers earlier this year, where he collected 40 disposals, took 5 marks and kicked a goal.
Nick Riewoldt:
While Riewoldt hasn’t had as much of an impact on the field as he has had in previous years, his leadership among the team is often the difference. Last time the two teams met, Patty Ambrose held the Saints’ captain accountable – but it may be a different story this time. Able to step-up when his team needs him the most, Riewoldt is still averaging 20 disposals a game and has kicked 21 goals for the season.
Tom Hickey:
The ruck battle will be the biggest challenge for the Bombers this week, with the in-form Matthew Leuenberger missing through injury. It does, however, present the opportunity for Shaun McKernan to step-up and show the coaches that he is more than up to the task of playing senior footy. He will come up against Saints’ big man Tom Hickey. Hickey has had a consistent year so far and averages close to 29 hit-outs per game. Without any interruption to the season so far, Hickey has been able to form a close relationship with the Saints’ midfield group, allowing them to often get first use of the ball. He had his best game against Port Adelaide in round 1, where accruing a massive 56 hit outs.
