WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Sunday, June 22, 1.10pm
LAST TIME: St Kilda 16.15 (111) d Sydney Swans 12.11 (83), round nine, 2012 at Etihad Stadium
TV and RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for all Sunday's Match Day Information
With their 52-point triumph over West Coast last Sunday, the Swans are riding a six-game winning streak and sit atop the ladder on percentage. They boast a fit and settled line-up and one more win will equal their best streak since 1996. But they take on a St Kilda side that will take plenty of confidence to the SCG. The Saints are the last side to beat the Swans, in round nine at Etihad Stadium. Considering they are clinging to eighth spot on percentage, they will have no shortage of motivation.
THE FOUR POINTS
SYDNEY SWANS
1. Shane Mumford and Mike Pyke have emerged as an accomplished ruck duo, with most believing they broke even with Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui last week. With St Kilda lacking depth in the centre circle, currently sitting second last in the AFL for hit-outs, the Swans will go into the match confident that is an area they can exploit.
2. Can the home side, which boasts the AFL's best defensive record, maintain that against a Saints outfit that has the fourth best offensive output this season? Nick Riewoldt (40 goals), Stephen Milne (35), Justin Koschitzke (21), Ahmed Saad (17) and David Armitage (13) are all contributing plenty of goals, so the Swans' back six will need to be switched on.
3. Who can get on top in the battle of the midfields? St Kilda's Lenny Hayes and Swans counterpart Jude Bolton, picks eleven and eight respectively from the 1998 national draft, remain such important barometers for their teams. But both receive plenty of support, with St Kilda coach Scott Watters' plans for Lewis Jetta sure to be crucial.
4. How will the Swans cope with the rise in expectations? The club has stayed typically under the radar for most of the year, but the secret is out and they have shortened markedly in premiership betting. They will need to keep their heads if they are to continue their winning ways.
ST KILDA
1. St Kilda will be relieved to welcome back Jack Steven and Brendon Goddard from suspension this week. Goddard's hit on Sam Wright and Steven's off-field misdemeanours have seen them out of the side in recent times, but they will be welcome additions.
2. The memory of that impressive recent victory over the Swans should still linger for St Kilda. Trailing at quarter-time, the Saints kicked 11 goals to four over the next two terms to break it wide open. There are some significant differences between then and now, however, not least of all the venue, where the Swans have been impressive this year.?
3. Sam Fisher has been known for his dominance as a free running half-back, but he was used in a more traditional defensive role on Jonathan Brown last week. It will be interesting to see if he reverts to his natural game or if Watters wants him to go body-on-body with Sam Reid this week.?
4. The once dour Saints have let some big scores through this season and can't afford to give any leniency to a dangerous Sydney Swans team. St Kilda needs to shut down key playmakers Adam Goodes and Jetta if it is to be any chance of knocking off the home team.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
LAST TIME: St Kilda 16.15 (111) d Sydney Swans 12.11 (83), round nine, 2012 at Etihad Stadium
TV and RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for all Sunday's Match Day Information
With their 52-point triumph over West Coast last Sunday, the Swans are riding a six-game winning streak and sit atop the ladder on percentage. They boast a fit and settled line-up and one more win will equal their best streak since 1996. But they take on a St Kilda side that will take plenty of confidence to the SCG. The Saints are the last side to beat the Swans, in round nine at Etihad Stadium. Considering they are clinging to eighth spot on percentage, they will have no shortage of motivation.
THE FOUR POINTS
SYDNEY SWANS
1. Shane Mumford and Mike Pyke have emerged as an accomplished ruck duo, with most believing they broke even with Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui last week. With St Kilda lacking depth in the centre circle, currently sitting second last in the AFL for hit-outs, the Swans will go into the match confident that is an area they can exploit.
2. Can the home side, which boasts the AFL's best defensive record, maintain that against a Saints outfit that has the fourth best offensive output this season? Nick Riewoldt (40 goals), Stephen Milne (35), Justin Koschitzke (21), Ahmed Saad (17) and David Armitage (13) are all contributing plenty of goals, so the Swans' back six will need to be switched on.
3. Who can get on top in the battle of the midfields? St Kilda's Lenny Hayes and Swans counterpart Jude Bolton, picks eleven and eight respectively from the 1998 national draft, remain such important barometers for their teams. But both receive plenty of support, with St Kilda coach Scott Watters' plans for Lewis Jetta sure to be crucial.
4. How will the Swans cope with the rise in expectations? The club has stayed typically under the radar for most of the year, but the secret is out and they have shortened markedly in premiership betting. They will need to keep their heads if they are to continue their winning ways.
ST KILDA
1. St Kilda will be relieved to welcome back Jack Steven and Brendon Goddard from suspension this week. Goddard's hit on Sam Wright and Steven's off-field misdemeanours have seen them out of the side in recent times, but they will be welcome additions.
2. The memory of that impressive recent victory over the Swans should still linger for St Kilda. Trailing at quarter-time, the Saints kicked 11 goals to four over the next two terms to break it wide open. There are some significant differences between then and now, however, not least of all the venue, where the Swans have been impressive this year.?
3. Sam Fisher has been known for his dominance as a free running half-back, but he was used in a more traditional defensive role on Jonathan Brown last week. It will be interesting to see if he reverts to his natural game or if Watters wants him to go body-on-body with Sam Reid this week.?
4. The once dour Saints have let some big scores through this season and can't afford to give any leniency to a dangerous Sydney Swans team. St Kilda needs to shut down key playmakers Adam Goodes and Jetta if it is to be any chance of knocking off the home team.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
