SUMMARY
The expectation is on St Kilda to make finals for the first time since 2011. The Saints have faith they are on the right track, as shown by extending Alan Richardson's contract until the end of 2020, but it's time to deliver results. Very few are left from the previous era after the retirements of Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna, so the opportunity is there for younger players to fill the void. Meanwhile, Brisbane will be desperate to improve on its wooden spoon finish last year. There is young talent sprinkled across the list, and with Chris Fagan at the helm it seems the Lions are headed in the right direction. How the midfield copes after losing Tom Rockliff to Port Adelaide will be interesting, but the addition of Cam Rayner and natural improvement from the likes of Hugh McCluggage and Alex Witherden will be exciting to watch.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, March 24, 3.35pm AEDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2017, St Kilda 14.23 (107) d Brisbane 11.10 (76) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2016, St Kilda 25.11 (161) d Brisbane 15.13 (103) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2015, St Kilda 16.12 (108) d Brisbane 13.8 (86) at the Gabba
R6, 2014, Brisbane 12.10 (82) d St Kilda 11.13 (79) at Westpac Stadium
R19, 2013, Brisbane 16.12 (108) d St Kilda 11.11 (77) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. Last season, the Lions ranked 17th for marks inside 50, averaging only nine per game, and kicked 100 points in a game just three times.
2. St Kilda has won its past three clashes against Brisbane. The Lions' last win occurred in round six, 2014.
3. The Saints were a high handballing side in 2017, ranked third during the home and away season, averaging 188 per game. In contrast, the Lions were a low handballing side, averaging 160 per game.
4. St Kilda won nine of 14 matches at Etihad Stadium in 2017, including five of its last six. Brisbane struggled on the road last season, losing nine of 10 interstate games.
5. The Saints ranked third in disposal efficiency last year at 74.2 per cent.
6. Brisbane has three players in the top 100 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings, led by Dayne Zorko at No.6. Captain Dayne Beams is at No.271 after injury wiped out most of his 2016, so that ranking will almost certainly rise if he stays fit.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Hawthorn's triple premiership captain Luke Hodge will make his Lions debut, and it will be a jarring experience seeing the champion represent another side. While Hodge isn't expected to dominate for his new team, Brisbane knows he will add critical experience to a very youthful backline.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 32 points
