In the final edition of Opposition Watch for season 2019, Swans Media examines all things St Kilda ahead of the Sydney Swans’ clash with the Saints at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.

Recent form

St Kilda is placed 14^th on the ladder and fell to Carlton in a 10-point defeat at the MCG last Saturday.

The Saints led the Blues at every change before conceding four final-term goals and managing just two en route to an 11.12 (78) to 10.8 (68) loss.

Former Swans Dan Hannebery (24 touches, one goal) and Tim Membrey (15 possessions, three goals) shone in a losing cause.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Ross gathered 29 disposals, Jack Billings finished with 26 touches and seven marks and Jack Steele posted 20 possessions and, astoundingly, 14 tackles.

St Kilda has won nine games and lost 12, with its most recent victory a three-point win against Fremantle in Round 21.

Ins and outs

Ex-Swan Sam Rowe, drafted to Sydney with Kieren Jack in 2005, will make his St Kilda debut in his 100^th AFL appearance.

The key defender, who can pinch-hit in the ruck, never played a senior match for Sydney but racked up 99 games with Carlton, before arriving at St Kilda as a pre-season recruit in March.

Young defender Ben Paton has made way for Rowe.

Key match-up

Star Swan Lance Franklin thrives on the big stage and the SCG is set to play host to one of the biggest stages in the club’s history.

With Franklin set to celebrate his 300^th AFL match and former co-captains Jarrad McVeigh and Jack on the cusp of farewell games, the 940-goal great could be on the verge of a bag.

Key Saints defender Jake Carlisle is likely to clamp the four-time Coleman medallist for the majority of the match.

Who will emerge on top?

Last time they met

The Swans enjoyed their most convincing win of season 2018 when they last squared off with the Saints, surging to a 71-point victory at Docklands Stadium in Round 12.

Ross was arguably St Kilda’s best on his way to 25 possessions (13 contested) and five tackles.

What they said

St Kilda coach Brett Ratten: “When we run out on the ground the hype and the commentary around the game – if we allow that to get into our thoughts and distract us it’ll be an issue. But if we focus on what we can control and respectfully acknowledge those players that are leaving the game and celebrating milestones, then that’s fair and reasonable. Hopefully it doesn’t create a big noise for us. We’ll focus on our task.”