SUMMARY
St Kilda makes its return to Friday night footy for the first time in more than two years. The Saints were thumped by Collingwood by 74 points that night and will want a better showing in their first of four chances in the marquee timeslot this year. Making matters tough will be its opponent, with GWS having won five on the trot. Leon Cameron's side boasts the second-most miserly defence in the competition while they have scored the fourth-most points, and the midfield is studded with stars. The Saints have reason to be confident though after a comprehensive win against Hawthorn showcased a dangerous forward line, with Nick Riewoldt, Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey combining for 10 goals. Jack Steven has returned from a punctured lung in excellent form while Seb Ross and Koby Stevens offer hard bodies to combat the gun Giants onballers.
Follow it live from 7.50pm AEST
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, May 5, 7.50PM AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R5, 2016, GWS Giants 19.12 (126) d St Kilda 12.7 (79) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2015, GWS Giants 12.12 (84) d St Kilda 6.13 (49) at Spotless Stadium
R1, 2015, GWS Giants 12.15 (87) d St Kilda 11.12 (78) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2014, St Kilda 15.5 (95) d GWS Giants 13.10 (88) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2013, St Kilda 21.14 (140) d GWS Giants 10.8 (68) at Manuka Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Giants' forward line starred when the sides last played. Jeremy Cameron, Steve Johnson and Toby Greene combined for 13 goals. The suspended Greene collected three Brownlow votes with 31 disposals.
2. St Kilda is ranked second for marks inside-50, averaging 14.3 per match. Tim Membrey, Josh Bruce and Nick Riewoldt are all ranked in the top 20 for that stat.
3. St Kilda and GWS clash for the seventh time, with both sides having notched up three wins each. The Saints won the first three, the Giants the last three.
4. The two teams meet at Etihad Stadium for the fifth time and each has two wins. The Giants have won their last three at the Docklands-based venue.
5. The Giants are the No. 1 clearance team in 2017 with 43.2 per game, while the Saints are ranked last at 33.5 per game.
6. Banned half-forward Toby Greene is ranked No. 22 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, the highest for the Giants.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Jack Steele.
The former Giant was traded to St Kilda at the end of last season and has made an impact as a hard-tackling, tough body in the midfield for the Saints. His physicality will be important versus a formidable GWS outfit.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 21 points.
