SUMMARY
North Melbourne is undefeated through six rounds and is playing an exciting style of football. Even contributions from all over the field have lifted the Kangaroos to the top of the ladder but the forward line in particular is proving almost impossible to stop. Jarrad Waite is in the form of his life, while Drew Petrie and Ben Brown are stretching opposition defences. St Kilda enters the game with optimism though, after a 39-point victory against Melbourne last Saturday. Skipper Nick Riewoldt is playing excellent footy and Tim Membrey popped up with five goals against the Demons in his first game for the year. Tom Hickey impressed with his ability to negate in-form Demon Max Gawn in the ruck and will be called upon again to curb Todd Goldstein's influence.
Jarrad Waite will be hoping to continue his hot start to the season. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, May 8, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2015, North Melbourne 18.12 (120) d St Kilda 11.17 (83) at Blundstone Arena
R17, 2014, North Melbourne 13.14 (92) d St Kilda 3.15 (33) at Blundstone Arena
R10, 2013, North Melbourne 19.19 (133) d St Kilda 10.5 (65) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2012, North Melbourne 21.10 (136) d St Kilda 15.13 (103) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2011, St Kilda 19.21 (135) d North Melbourne 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When these teams last played, the Saints led at half-time by 20 points before the Kangaroos kicked nine goals in the third quarter. Drew Petrie booted four goals and Andrew Swallow had 25 disposals.
2. St Kilda has been one of the strongest centre clearance sides in 2016, ranked third. North Melbourne is only marginally behind in equal fourth place.
3. It will be the 154th time these clubs play. The Saints hold a very narrow advantage, winning 76 games to 75, with two draws.
4. The Kangaroos are ranked second for points per game, with 112. They have kicked at least 100 points in five of their six matches.
5. Another win and it will be the first time since 1979 the Kangaroos have won their first seven games of a season.
6. St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt struggled last time out against North Melbourne. He was the Saints' 18th-ranked player, with only 5.1 Schick AFL Player Rating points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Todd Goldstein. The reigning All Australian ruckman had an uncharacteristically quiet game against the Western Bulldogs last Friday night with just eight disposals and will want to hit back strongly.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by 28 points
