SUMMARY
This shapes as one of the more intriguing games of the round, with the Etihad Stadium co-tenants both having up-and-down starts to the season. The Dogs have sputtered their way to a 5-4 record without putting together a four-quarter performance, but unlike many other sides, they're yet to blown anyone off the park yet. The Saints on the other hand, were poor last week against a resurgent Sydney and succumbed to a 50-point hiding on their home turf after three-straight wins. With a host of players returning to side after injury lay-offs including Tory Dickson, Travis Cloke and Mitch Wallis, Luke Beveridge will be hoping the premiers will finally be able to find the consistency that has been eluding them. Like most games at the indoor venue, the team that wins the clearances and uses the ball efficiently will take home the four points.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 27, 1.45pm AEST - FOLLOW IT LIVE
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R18, 2016, St Kilda 11.9 (75) d Western Bulldogs 9.6 (60) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2016, Western Bulldogs 13.15 (93) d St Kilda 5.6 (36) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2015, Western Bulldogs 9.8 (62) d St Kilda 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2015, St Kilda 14.10 (94) d Western Bulldogs 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2014, Western Bulldogs 18.14 (122) d St Kilda 15.9 (99) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Nick Riewoldt proved the difference between the sides when they last played with 19 disposals, 10 marks and four goals. The Saints’ defence held the Bulldogs scoreless in the final quarter.
2. The Bulldogs have struggled to score in recent weeks, having lost three of their last four games; their average score per game is 73 points and their accuracy has been poor, kicking 40.55.
3. Not much separates the sides recently with two wins each since 2015, with three games decided by 15 points or less. St Kilda will be aiming for consecutive wins over the Bulldogs for the first time since 2012.
4. The Bulldogs continue to be the No.1 ranked tackling side this season averaging 78.2 per game compared to St Kilda who are mid-table with an average of 68.4.
5. This will be the 24th Etihad Stadium contest between the sides and St Kilda holds the advantage winning 13 games to nine and there’s been one draw. The Bulldogs are undefeated from four games at Etihad this season.
6. Marcus Bontempelli is the highest ranked Bulldog in the Schick AFL Player Ratings in fifth place with 606 points. Saint Jack Steven sits sixth overall with 547 ranking points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Paddy McCartin
The former No.1 draft pick only kicked the one goal in his return to the senior side last week, so expect the 20-year-old to have much greater impact against a Dogs defence that has had problems with key forwards this season.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 22 points
