SUMMARY
The struggles continue at the Saints, who are yet to win since round one. While Alan Richardson's side has shown improved form recently, including scaring ladder-leaders West Coast with a late surge last week, coming up against Sydney poses a huge challenge. Not because the Swans are at their absolute peak – they're not – but John Longmire's men have the wood over St Kilda with wins in the past eight clashes. Their formidable midfield group has dominated over the past few years but captain Josh Kennedy hasn't been his usual consistent self while Dan Hannebery is down on form. However, not many of the Saints' onballers pose great fears, although Jack Steven's attempts to will his side over the line each week have been admirable. Ultimately, St Kilda's defence has been decimated by injury and suspension, with skipper Jarryn Geary the latest to be sidelined, so that will be a tough hurdle to overcome.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 9, 7.25PM AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R18, 2017, Sydney 14.17 (101) d St Kilda 9.5 (59) at the SCG
R9, 2017, Sydney 18.10 (118) d St Kilda 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2016, Sydney 23.8 (146) d St Kilda 11.10 (76) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2015, Sydney 20.15 (135) d St Kilda 4.14 (38) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2014, Sydney 19.13 (127) d St Kilda 8.8 (56) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Sydney superstar Lance Franklin booted seven goals in the two clashes between the sides in 2017, while Josh Kennedy had a combined 60 disposals.
2. The Swans are ranked fifth for points conceded this season, with 72 points per game. St Kilda is ranked 16th for points scored, kicking just 68 points per match.
3. Sydney has dominated St Kilda recently, winning the past eight matches between these two teams. Five of those have been by more than 50 points. The Saints' last victory occurred at Etihad Stadium in round nine, 2012.
4. The Saints average fewer clearances than any other side this year, going at 32.2 per game. Meanwhile, the Swans are ranked third, with an average of 38.5.
5. These teams have played 12 times at Etihad Stadium, with St Kilda winning six games to five, and one draw. Sydney has won 13 of its past 14 matches at the Docklands venue.
6. St Kilda forward Tim Membrey put in a career-best performance in the Schick AFL Player Ratings in last week's loss to the Eagles, scoring 26.7 and rectifying his kicking woes to slot six straight goals.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Former Port Adelaide defender Logan Austin has played back-up to Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown for much of the season but since that pair is missing through suspension and injury respectively, Austin will likely have the unenviable task on Lance Franklin.
PREDICTION: Sydney by 27 points.
