If Carlton's clash with Collingwood last Friday night was a must-win game, this one against a battling St Kilda is last-chance saloon. The Blues, who are two games outside the top eight, simply have to win to remain in the finals race. Victory would help them take the first steps towards making amends for the humiliating loss to the Pies, and exact revenge on the Saints for inflicting a shock defeat in round seven, when the Blues were hampered by early injuries. It won’t be easy though, given St Kilda's gallant effort against Fremantle in Perth on Sunday and the emotional lift associated with the potential availability of experienced trio Nick Riewoldt, Stephen Milne (for his first game since being charged with criminal offences) and Justin Koschitzke (for his 200th game).
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday July 13, 7.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2013: St Kilda 11.11 (77) d Carlton 9.14 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2012: St Kilda 16.10 (106) d Carlton 12.19 (91) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2012: St Kilda 19.8 (122) d Carlton 14.14 (98) at Etihad Stadium
R24, 2011: St Kilda 13.8 (86) d Carlton 9.12 (66) at the MCG
R7, 2011: Carlton 11.18 (84) d St Kilda 12.9 (81) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. St Kilda has dominated Carlton over the past decade, winning 16 of their past 18 clashes, including the past four in a row.
2. The Saints have won 12 of their 16 clashes with the Blues at Etihad Stadium.
3. St Kilda upset Carlton by nine points in round seven, with midfielder Jack Steven (the top-ranked Saint at No. 24 overall in the Official AFL Player Ratings) starring with a career-best 39 possessions, while Blues champion Chris Judd (No. 15) had 27 touches.
4. Carlton is fifth in the AFL in clearances with 39.6 per game, while St Kilda is 16th with 32.9.
5. Carlton is fifth in hitouts, while St Kilda is last.
6. St Kilda's veteran forwards Nick Riewoldt and Stephen Milne have combined for 86 goals in 33 matches against Carlton.
