The Hawks, Swans and Geelong are all locked on 15 wins for the season, separated only on percentage in the race for the all-important top two.
So a visit of the bottom-placed Saints could represent an opportunity for percentage, although the Swans are extremely wary of a St Kilda outfit that demonstrated its potential with a stunning upset victory over Fremantle in round 18.
The Saints, GWS and Demons are all locked on four wins at the foot of the table entering round 21.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday August 16, 1.45pm AEST
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for Saturday's match day info
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R21, 2013, Sydney Swans 18.10 (118) d St Kilda 8.11 (59) at SCG
R5, 2013, Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) d St Kilda 9.9 (63) at Westpac Stadium
R17, 2012, Sydney Swans 15.15 (105) d St Kilda 10.16 (76) at SCG
R9, 2012, St Kilda 16.15 (111) d Sydney Swans 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium
2EF, 2011, Sydney Swans 12.10 (82) d St Kilda 8.9 (57) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In 210 matches between these teams, the Swans hold a clear advantage, 130-77. There have also been three draws, in 1922, 1977 and 2002.
2. The Swans are once again the AFL's top tackling team, averaging 74.1 per game. St Kilda is 10th (66.3).
3. Lance Franklin has kicked five goals in each of his last three games against the Saints, but hasn't faced them since round 6, 2012.
4. St Kilda has a reasonable record at the SCG, winning 10 of the 26 games held there. The Saints' last win at the ground came in 2009.
5. St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt is ranked seventh in the AFL for marks inside 50, but he plays a lone hand for his side. Overall the Saints are ranked 14th, with just 9.7 marks inside 50 per game.
6. Franklin is the top-ranked key forward in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Despite his excellent season, Riewoldt is only ranked 11th among the League's spearheads.
