SUMMARY
Not much is going right at St Kilda and things don't get any easier with Greater Western Sydney sure to pose a stern challenge. By Saints coach Alan Richardson's own reckoning, too many of his players are out of form. At 1-3, their season isn't over, but their finals chances are slipping away, so they need to improve quickly. The midfield has been inconsistent and while the numbers looked reasonable last week, Richardson believed his side was overwhelmed by Geelong's physicality, and that could again be an issue considering some of the Giants' personnel. Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel and Stephen Coniglio – who has quietly had an excellent start to the season – form an onball unit that is tough to play against, so Jack Steven and Seb Ross will need to be at their best and ensure their side is competitive from the opening bounce.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, April 21, 1.45PM AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2017, St Kilda 16.12 (108) d GWS 12.13 (85) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2016, GWS 19.12 (126) d St Kilda 12.7 (79) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2015, GWS 12.12 (84) d St Kilda 6.13 (49) at Spotless Stadium
R1, 2015, GWS 12.15 (87) d St Kilda 11.12 (78) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2014, St Kilda 15.5 (95) d GWS 13.10 (88) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Saints' midfield starred in their win over the Giants in 2017. Seb Ross had 31 disposals while Jack Steven recorded 29 and two goals. Jade Gresham kicked three goals and four Saints finished with two. Josh Kelly was the Giants' best, ending with 28 disposals.
2. St Kilda and the Giants clash for the eighth time and the Saints hold a narrow advantage, winning four games to three. St Kilda's win last season was its first against GWS since 2014.
3. No team has won more fourth quarters this season than GWS, which is four from four. Meanwhile, the Saints have won two final terms.
4. The Giants have a mixed recent history at Etihad Stadium. They lost twice from three games in 2017 after winning all three matches in 2016. The two sides have played five times at Etihad, with three wins to two in St Kilda's favour.
5. GWS is aiming for its second consecutive 4-1 start to a season. In contrast, if the Saints lose again, it will be the second time in three seasons they’ve started 1-4.
6. After playing 18 games in 2016-17, Brett Deledio has lined up in every game this year and is revitalising his Schick AFL Player Ratings ranking. He started the season at No.411 and has improved 86 spots to No.325.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Key defender Jake Carlisle has played reasonably well in 2018 but has occasionally let himself down with his temperament. Against Geelong last Sunday he barely put in any effort manning the mark at times in the second half when he went forward, and the former Bomber needs to ensure he stays positive.
PREDICTION: GWS by 29 points
