SUMMARY
Hawthorn's clash with Gold Coast on Saturday went to script with the premiers winning by 53 points but it wasn't a performance that satisfied coach Alastair Clarkson, who was disappointed with their level of overall consistency. The Hawks are yet to win consecutive games, something Clarkson says they need to remedy if they're any hope of finishing in the top four. St Kilda surprised for the second time in the past month on Sunday with another come-from-behind victory. After storming back from a 55-point deficit to beat the Western Bulldogs in round six, the Saints reeled in a 29-point lead to triumph over the Brisbane Lions by 22 at the Gabba with Nick Riewoldt kicking four goals in his first game back from a two-week concussion.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 7, 4.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2014, Hawthorn 27.13 (175) d St Kilda 4.6 (30) at the MCG
R20, 2013, Hawthorn 14.18 (102) d St Kilda 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2012, Hawthorn 18.15 (123) d St Kilda 13.10 (88) at the MCG
R8, 2011, Hawthorn 14.15 (99) d St Kilda 10.9 (69) at the MCG
R17, 2010, St Kilda 14.3 (87) drew Hawthorn 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Saints' defence will need to be on guard. The Hawks are the No.1 team this season for taking the ball inside 50, with an average of 61.2 per game compared to the Saints' 49.7.
2. So, it's little wonder the Hawks continue to be a strong scoring side. They're ranked second with an average of 106.8 points per game, while the Saints are 11th with 84.6.
3. With Jack Gunston leading the way, the Hawks have taken more marks inside 50 than any other side. Gunston has 24 to his name, which ranks him seventh in the competition.
4. But that's an area the Saints aren't bad in either. They're ranked sixth overall with 93 (an average of 10.3 a game), led by Josh Bruce, who has taken 30 on his own.
5. The Saints won't want to look at their last clash with the Hawks for inspiration. They were beaten by 145 points in round seven last year, which was a Hawthorn winning margin record.
6. David Armitage's explosive form continued last week, with the Saints midfielder climbing further up the Official AFL Player Ratings. Armitage started the season at 72nd overall and is now 33rd – and the top Saint.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
The Hawks. As previously mentioned, they're yet to record back-to-back wins this season, which is widening the gap between them and the top-placed Fremantle. At sixth, they're four wins off first and two from second and third, and with Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney four points above them at fourth and fifth, the Hawks can't afford another loss if they're serious about a top-four finish.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 32 points
