SUMMARY
The Saints will be banking on a groundswell of support from their large Tasmanian fanbase as they take on footy's mission impossible – beating the Hawks at Aurora Stadium. They relished the big stage at the MCG last Saturday and simply overwhelmed Collingwood in the second half. St Kilda's improving midfield will enjoy the large expanses in Launceston, but where the Saints will run into problems is at both ends of the ground. Hawthorn's backline is tough and stingy and the Hawks appear to have too many scoring options at the other end. Cyril Rioli and Luke Bruest save some of their best work for Tasmania.
WHERE AND WHEN: Aurora Stadium, Saturday, April 16, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
Josh Bruce is a key to the Saints' forward set-up. Picture: AFL Media
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2015, Hawthorn 20.12 (132) d St Kilda 10.9 (69) at Etihad Stadium,
R7, 2014, Hawthorn 27.13 (175) d St Kilda 4.6 (30) at the MCG,
R20, 2013, Hawthorn 14.18 (102) d St Kilda 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium,
R6, 2012, Hawthorn 18.15 (123) d St Kilda 13.10 (88) at the MCG,
R8, 2011, Hawthorn 14.15 (99) d St Kilda 10.9 (69) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. In 2015 the Hawks kicked eight goals to three in the first half and 12 to seven in the second half; they finished with 32 to 19 scoring shots. Sam Mitchell was best on ground with 35 disposals. Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston kicked three goals each.
2. Hawthorn is the number one tackling side after three games averaging 82.3 per game compared to St Kilda ranked 8th averaging 66.6. Will Langford is the number one tackling player in the competition with 27.
3. Hawthorn and St Kilda meet for the 153rd time and the Hawks hold the advantage, winning 79 games to 71; with two draws. The Saints haven’t won since round 19, 2009.
4. The Saints have been a strong clearance side so far in 2016 ranked fourth with 40.3 per game thanks to David Armitage ranked equal fourth with a total of 24.
5. Hawthorn has now won their last 15 games and 22 of their last 23 at Aurora Stadium; they last lost in round five, 2012. St Kilda has played in Launceston nine times for five wins; the most recent was in round 19, 2009 with the undermanned Saints defeating the Hawks.
6. The top three small forwards in this game, according to the Schick Hydra Official AFL Player Ratings all play for the Hawks – Cyril Rioli (18th overall), Luke Breust (34) and Paul Puopolo (106).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Josh Bruce. With Paddy McCartin and Nick Riewoldt both in doubt, it will be left to the improving Bruce to be the focal point for the Saints. He has kicked five goals from three games, but needs a bag this weekend.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 26 points
