SUMMARY
St Kilda’s season of inconsistency continued last weekend in what was a disappointing loss to the lowly-placed Suns, as the Saints missed an opportunity to string back-to-back wins together for the third time this year. But they're back at Eithad Stadium this week against the Bombers and will be heavily favoured to claim their seventh win of the season. However, Essendon should be fresh off a 10-day break following a 78-point loss to the Eagles in Perth and will be eager to break their 12-game losing streak. The Bombers will be without the class of star midfielder David Zaharakis who has received a one-match suspension following his 'tummy tap' to West Coast youngster Jackson Nelson. Essendon have struggled against the Saints in their past two encounters at Etihad Stadium, with an average losing margin of 78 points.
Nick Riewoldt had a poor day in front of goal against the Suns, booting 0.5. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, July 10, 4.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2016, St Kilda 16.13 (109) d Essendon 9.9 (63) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2015, St Kilda 25.12 (162) d Essendon 8.4 (52) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2015, Essendon 11.16 (82) d St Kilda 11.14 (80) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2014, St Kilda 11.15 (81) d Essendon 9.11 (65) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2013, Essendon 19.14 (128) d St Kilda 13.13 (91) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Last time these two sides met in round nine, Essendon remained competitive until half-time when it trailed by only 10 points. But Josh Bruce proved to be the difference as he led the Saints to a seven-goal-to-three third quarter. Bruce finished with a bag of five goals and has 10 in total in the past two matches against the Bombers.
2. The Saints' season of highs and lows continued last week, dropping to a loss to Gold Coast following their stirring win over Geelong the previous week. They have fallen to defeats of 40 or more points in five of their eight losses this season.
3. St Kilda has had the better of Essendon in recent times, accumulating wins in three of the past four clashes between the two sides as well as four of the last six since 2012. Essendon has been unable to kick more than 100 points in an outing against the Saints since round four, 2013.
4. The Bombers' struggles to score is highlighted by the fact that they’re averaging just 59 points a game, which is the lowest of any side since 1961, with the exception of GWS’ first season in 2012. They remain anchored to the bottom of the ladder for points scored and for marks inside 50.
5. Essendon holds a 12-to-9 win advantage over St Kilda in their 21 encounters at Etihad Stadium. However, the Bombers have not enjoyed being under the roof in recent times, losing all four of their games at the venue this year and their last 10 in total.
6. St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven continues to charge up the Schick AFL Player Ratings board. The star Saint started the season ranked at No.65 but is now placed at No.14 after a terrific run of form.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Nick Riewoldt
The Saints skipper will be hoping for a more accurate day in front of goal after booting 0.5 against the Suns last week in a disappointing 40-point defeat.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 36 points
