The season so far
Like several other teams competing for a spot in September, St Kilda has been inconsistent. At their best, the Saints use immense pressure to force the opponent to cough the ball up and they can move the footy quickly. The problem is they haven't been able to find that form often enough. St Kilda fell away against Melbourne, West Coast and Geelong, and was made to look second rate by Sydney and the Western Bulldogs. Travelling doesn't seem to be as much of an issue as it was in 2016 – the Saints won comfortably in Tasmania against Hawthorn and were competitive for most of the game against the Eagles.
Quarters won: 19
Players used: 31
Yet to play: Josh Battle, Ray Connellan, Nick Coughlan, Sean Dempster (retired), Nathan Freeman, Hugh Goddard, Jason Holmes, Darragh Joyce, Rowan Marshall, Nick O'Kearney, Ed Phillips, Lewis Pierce, Bailey Rice, Brandon White
Stats leaders
Disposals: Seb Ross (298)
Marks: Dylan Roberton (75)
Goals: Nick Riewoldt (17)
Tackles: Jack Steele (75)
Metres gained: Dylan Roberton (485m)
Contested marks: Tim Membrey (2.1 per game)
Best win
Round seven, v Greater Western Sydney. The 23-point victory in the club's first Friday night game for more than two years showed the Saints could match it with the elite teams.
One that got away
Round two, v West Coast. St Kilda led by for most of the game but inaccuracy in front of goal kept the Eagles in the game, and Adam Simpson's men took advantage.
Jarryn Geary's tackle on Giant Jon Patton set the tone for a big win over GWS. Picture: AFL Photos 
Best and fairest leader: Seb Ross
Surprise packet: Dylan Roberton
Who's struggling: Josh Bruce, Luke Dunstan
Missing in action: David Armitage trained well in the pre-season and looked set to return to some of the excellent form he displayed in 2015 but has been sidelined by two bouts of groin surgery.
The concern
St Kilda is yet to nail down its forward line mix and is 11th in the competition for points per game. Both of Nick Riewoldt's knees have caused him issues, Josh Bruce is languishing in the VFL, the 21-year-old Paddy McCartin hasn't shown yet that he's ready to be the side's dominant forward while Tim Membrey doesn't have the size to play as the primary target.
Pass mark
After 12 wins last year, the Saints should look to win another seven games and again hit that mark. Their fixture has been more difficult this season so it would be a sign of improvement to repeat the win-loss tally from 2016.
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The coach
This is the most expectation Alan Richardson has had to deal with as coach and while there have been disappointing performances, the side has a reasonable platform upon which to make finals. However, the Saints probably need to be more consistent in the run home and have six of their 12 remaining games against teams currently in the top eight.
How the best 22 has changed
Jimmy Webster has been hampered by injury at times throughout his career but has established himself in the best side after impressing with his kicking and toughness in defence. Blake Acres was left out of the round one side but he showed in the back half of 2016 he was good enough to be in the team, while Koby Stevens has added plenty to the midfield. Luke Dunstan needs to work on winning the ball outside the contest to be picked again. Josh Bruce isn't in the team but will be when he finds form. Tom Hickey was dropped before injuring his left knee but, like Bruce, is good enough to earn his spot back.
B: Jarryn Geary, Nathan Brown, Jimmy Webster
HB: Dylan Roberton, Jake Carlisle, Leigh Montagna
C: Nick Riewoldt, Seb Ross, Jack Newnes
HF: Mav Weller, Josh Bruce, Jack Billings
F: Jade Gresham, Paddy McCartin, Tim Membrey
R: Tom Hickey, Jack Steven, Koby Stevens
I/C: Jack Steele, Blake Acres, David Armitage, Sam Gilbert
In from pre-season best 22: Blake Acres, Koby Stevens, Jimmy Webster
Out from pre-season best 22: Sean Dempster, Luke Dunstan, Shane Savage
• Who did we tip for your club's best 22 in round one?
Saints fans: what's your mid-season verdict?
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Want more?
• State of Origin: Who'd play, who'd miss out?
• Andrew Mackie's hunt for a rare double ton
