SUMMARY
After a pre-season full of hype and an expectation of finals, St Kilda's stuttering start to the season has not been what it wanted. The situation isn't all bad though, despite the zero and two win-loss record. Alan Richardson's men put in a gallant effort in Perth against premiership contender West Coast and showed significantly better form than they dished up versus Melbourne in round one. However, they will need to show up with a similar intensity to beat the improving Brisbane Lions. While Chris Fagan has been in charge for only two games, they look to have improved from the side that won three matches in 2016. Having Dayne Beams back on the field certainly helps and Stefan Martin's form is another bonus, after the former Demon didn't live up to his own high standards last year.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, April 9, 1.10PM AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2016, St Kilda 25.11 (161) d Brisbane Lions 15.13 (103) at Eithad Stadium
R9, 2015, St Kilda 16.12 (108) d Brisbane Lions 13.8 (86) at the Gabba
R6, 2014, Brisbane Lions 12.10 (82) d St Kilda 11.13 (79) at Westpac Stadium
R19, 2013, Brisbane Lions 16.12 (108) d St Kilda 11.11 (77) at the Gabba
R16, 2012, St Kilda 16.9 (105) d Brisbane Lions 14.8 (92) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was all about Nick Riewoldt when these teams last played. The former captain had 24 kicks, 21 marks and matched his career-best haul of nine goals. Jack Steven and David Armitage combined for 17 clearances. It was the Saints' highest score of 2016.
2. St Kilda and the Lions clash for the 45th time. Nothing separates the teams, with 22 wins each. The Saints have been the better side recently, winning six of the last eight.
3. Despite being competitive in their first two games, the Lions have struggled to mark the ball inside 50, ranked last with nine per game. The Saints are 14th with 10.5 per game.
4. Heavily in St Kilda’s favour is their record against the Lions at Etihad Stadium, where it has won six of seven matches. The Lions' only victory occurred in round six, 2000.
5. The Brisbane Lions have dramatically improved their scoring this season – up by 11 points to 91 per game.
6. Midfielder Jack Steven, who holds the mantle as the No.1 Saint in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, will miss the clash after suffering a punctured lung against West Coast last Saturday.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom Hickey
The ruckman came into round one under pressure from Billy Longer to hold on to his spot. A quiet first-up effort against Melbourne's Max Gawn was followed up by a better performance versus West Coast, and Hickey will need to continue that form when lining up on Stefan Martin.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 13 points
