SUMMARY
St Kilda scratched out a round one victory over the Brisbane Lions without making a great impression, but will start favourite in its Good Friday debut against North. Jack Steven returned to his electric best to carry his Saints past the Lions, and will again need strong back-up from Jack Billings, Seb Ross and Jarryn Geary. But the likes of Billy Longer, Paddy McCartin and Jack Sinclair will be keen to redeem themselves. The ruck battle between Longer and Todd Goldstein will be fascinating, with the 2015 All Australian Roo on a mission to return to his best form. There will be interest in how North Melbourne backs up from last week's heavy conditions in Cairns, particularly with a six-day turnaround. Most promising for the Kangaroos in the loss to Gold Coast was Jy Simpkin's 22 disposals playing through the midfield. Shaun Higgins, Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell will welcome his support.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, March 30, 4.30pm AEDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R22, 2017: St Kilda 18.19 (127) d North Melbourne 12.6 (78) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2017: St Kilda 12.17 (89) d North Melbourne 10.12 (72) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2016: North Melbourne 12.13 (85) d St Kilda 8.14 (62) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2016: North Melbourne 11.16 (82) d St Kilda 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2015: North Melbourne 18.12 (120) d St Kilda 11.17 (83) at Blundstone Arena
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Saints' midfield was the difference in both wins over the Kangaroos in 2017. Seb Ross, Jack Newnes and Leigh Montagna combined for 83 disposals in round 13, while Jack Steven was the star in round 22 with 40 disposals, one goal, five inside 50s and 11 clearances.
2. St Kilda dominated the Lions in most categories in round one, winning the disposal count (422-375), amassing 10 more inside 50s, laying four more tackles, having five more scoring shots and taking 48 more marks.
3. The Saints' back-to-back victories last year ended North's dominance between the sides after the Roos had won the previous six contests.
4. It was heavy going for the Kangaroos in the wet in round one. They had 57 fewer disposals, laid 12 fewer tackles, lost the clearances by 19 and took only 21 marks – 38 fewer than Gold Coast.
5. The teams play at Etihad Stadium for the 23rd time, and the Saints hold the advantage with 12 wins to 10. North Melbourne struggled at Etihad in 2017, losing 11 of its 13 matches there.
6. Jack Steven's 34 disposals, two goals and five clearances helped the star Saint climb one spot to No.17 in the latest Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Conditions weren't conducive to a Ben Brown star showing in Cairns last week, but the Roos need him to fire on Good Friday if they expect to cause an upset. Brown, who had no scoring shots among four possessions in round one, booted four goals in the corresponding fixture last year against the Bulldogs.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 23 points.
