SUMMARY
The red-hot Tigers are playing to lock down a top-four spot and potentially secure a home final by default if other results go their way in round 23. Richmond could find itself facing Geelong in a qualifying final at the MCG as the lower-placed team if they beat the Saints comfortably and the Cats beat Greater Western Sydney. There is a lot on the line, while a flagging St Kilda could run out knowing its season is over, and only pride is at stake in champion forward Nick Riewoldt's last match. The intriguing element is how convincingly the Saints wiped the floor with the Tigers only seven weeks ago. Alan Richardson's team played the most exciting football of its season in that match. Could it possibly rediscover that edge for one last hurrah on Sunday?
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, August 27, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R15, 2014, Richmond 18.9 (117) d St Kilda 11.7 (73) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. St Kilda had the match wrapped up at half time when these sides met in round 16 at Etihad Stadium, kicking 14 goals to one to lead by 82 points. The Saints had 110 more disposals and 19 more inside 50s for the match.
2. The Tigers remain one of the best defensive sides this season, conceding just 76 points a game (No.2 in the AFL). St Kilda is mid-table, allowing 88 points a game.
3. St Kilda has won the past two clashes between these sides, ending Richmond’s run of six consecutive wins in 2012-15. The Saints will be aiming for three-straight wins over the Tigers for the first time since 2009-10.
4. One advantage for the Saints could be in uncontested possessions. They rank No.4 in the AFL, averaging 256.3 a game, while the Tigers are last with an average of 219.4.
5. St Kilda will be visiting the MCG for just the second time this season and hasn’t won at the venue since round 22 last season when they defeated Richmond. In contrast, the Tigers have won eight of 10 games this season at the venue.
6. Kane Lambert has been the most improved player at Tigerland, climbing from No.310 overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings to No.171. He is rated No.8 at the club.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Nick Riewoldt
The Saints will know if their season is alive when they run out on Sunday, but it is unlikely to be. That means the clash against Richmond will be their champion forward's last appearance. Riewoldt has given everything he has to the Saints, and he won't leave anything on the MCG on Sunday. He deserves a memorable send-off from his teammates, his club, and the supporters who have cheered him on for 17 seasons.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 24 points.
