SUMMARY
Pre-season expectations had these teams performing at a similar level, but the year panned out in a much different way. St Kilda impressed observers with its speed and defensive pressure, while the Lions were largely a rabble. Injuries to key players hurt but Justin Leppitsch had multiple other issues to deal with. There might not be much other than pride on the line in this game but the Queensland-based team would surely be desperate to add to its tally of three wins. For the Saints, a 12th victory for the season would be the cherry on the top of what has been a campaign full of promise. Paddy McCartin may be injured but with Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey and Nick Riewoldt as forward options, the leaky Lions will find it tough to stop St Kilda from scoring.
It is likely to be St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt's final game as skipper. Picture: AFL Photos
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, August 28, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2015, St Kilda 16.12 (108) d Brisbane Lions 13.8 (86) at the Gabba
R6, 2014, Brisbane Lions 12.10 (82) d St Kilda 11.13 (79) at Westpac Stadium
R19, 2013, Brisbane Lions 16.12 (108) d St Kilda 11.11 (77) at the Gabba
R16, 2012, St Kilda 16.9 (105) d Brisbane Lions 14.8 (92) at the Gabba
R5, 2011, St Kilda 13.11 (89) d Brisbane Lions 11.10 (76) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these sides played, the Brisbane Lions kicked seven goals to two in the first quarter. St Kilda hit back with seven goals to one in the second term. Saints midfielder David Armitage finished with 31 disposals and two goals.
2. The Lions are ranked last for kicks, marks, handballs and contested marks. They’re ranked 16th for both inside 50s and marks inside 50.
3. St Kilda and the Brisbane Lions clash for the 44th time, with the Lions leading 22-21.
4. At Etihad Stadium, St Kilda has beaten the Lions in five of the last six matches. The Lions' only win was in round six, 2000.
5. St Kilda has ranked equal-fourth for uncontested possessions, with 243 per game. The Lions are last, with 198 per game.
6. Both teams have relatively short players as their No.1 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings – the 175cm Dayne Zorko for the Brisbane Lions (No.10 overall) and the 180cm Jack Steven for St Kilda (No.14 overall).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Nick Riewoldt.
After captaining the Saints for 11 of the 16 years of his career, this game will likely be his last as skipper. That would leave him with 220 matches as the club's leader, ranking him third on the all-time list, behind Carlton's Stephen Kernahan and Essendon's Dick Reynolds.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 38 points
