SUMMARY
The Tigers will be looking to return to the winners list this week after losing just their second game for the season last Sunday. They'll be looking to restore their pressure game after it somewhat deserted them against West Coast. They went into the clash ranked third for pressure points in the competition, and then posted the third-worst result for the round against the Eagles. It's what the Tigers pride themselves on and they'll need better output across the field if they're to bounce back. Meanwhile, the Saints' goalkicking remains a problem. Only once this season have they kicked more goals than behinds, and against Collingwood on Saturday night, they recorded 10.12 with midfielder Jack Newnes (four goals) the most damaging in attack. Tim Membrey remains out of form, and as their sole available key forward, needs to turn things around if the Saints are to be any chance against the premiers.
WHERE AND WHEN: the MCG, Saturday, May 26, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R23, 2017, Richmond 19.8 (122) d St Kilda 12.9 (81) at the MCG
R16, 2017, St Kilda 21.12 (138) d Richmond 10.11 (71) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2016, St Kilda 7.13 (55) d Richmond 6.10 (46) at the MCG
R16, 2015, Richmond 13.11 (89) d St Kilda 10.13 (73) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2014, Richmond 15.8 (98) d St Kilda 10.12 (72) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite Sunday's loss to the Eagles, the Tigers remain as one of the best finishing team this season. They've won six of nine last quarters, which isn't the most, but they're the highest final-term scoring team with 295 points to their opponents' 185.
2. The third quarter has been the Tigers' weakest period of football with wins in just four terms so far. However, the Saints have struggled after half-time; they've won two third quarters and three fourth.
3. The Saints might have won two of the last three head-to-heads, but the Tigers have the better record since 2012. They've won seven of their last nine games, four of which were at the MCG.
4. The Saints continue to have issues when it comes to scoring. Membrey has kicked 6.15 this year from seven games, and they're ranked last in the League with an average of 65 points per game.
5. Neither side has been strong in clearances this season. The Tigers are equal 16th with an average of 33.9 per game and the Saints are last with 31.1.
6. Dustin Martin, Alex Rance and Trent Cotchin all took a tumble in the Schick AFL Player Ratings last week. But, ruckman Toby Nankervis continued to show his worth by rising from No.61 to 58 overall despite being in doubt before the game.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
The critics are circling Dustin Martin with the midfield bull down on his best recently and still lacked his usual punch last week despite being one of his side's best. In the Tigers' round 23 win over the Saints last year, he picked up three Brownlow votes – could this be the week where he explodes back into form?
PREDICTION: Richmond by 31 points.
