SUMMARY
Three strong quarters were undone by a horror final term for Richmond in round 21, with Geelong running down a 35-point three-quarter time deficit. It was a turnaround coach Damien Hardwick saw coming, but his team – now full of youngsters – could not hold the premiership contenders off. For St Kilda, the tide turned earlier in their clash against the Sydney Swans, with an arm wrestle turning into a 70-point loss after half-time. Both the Tigers and the Saints are blooding new talent, and expect both to take that selection approach into Saturday's clash. The key to victory will be which young team can perform at its best for longer after respective fade-outs last week. Finals are out of the question now, but there is plenty to gain as young players search for confidence.
It's an important time of the year for Ty Vickery to perform. Picture: AFL Photos
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, August 20, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R14, 2013, Richmond 17.17 (119) d St Kilda 8.7 (55) at the MCG
R2, 2013, Richmond 14.15 (99) d St Kilda 12.10 (82) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Brett Deledio (28 disposals and three goals) and Dustin Martin (29) were the difference the last time these sides played. St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven picked up a Brownlow Medal vote with 30 disposals.
2. A strength for the Tigers in 2016 has been contested marking. They are ranked equal-third (12.6 a game), while the Saints are ranked equal-seventh (12.1 a game).
3. Richmond has now won the last six clashes between the sides, ending St Kilda’s dominance of 13 wins from 14 contests. The Tigers haven’t won seven in a row over the Saints since 1945-49.
4. The Saints have been a strong uncontested possession team in 2016, ranked fifth after round 21 and averaging 241.4 a game, well ahead of the Tigers (230.2 a game).
5. Richmond has struggled to get the ball inside 50 in 2016, ranked 17th and averaging 46.1 a game. The Saints are middle of the road, ranked 10th at 52.2 forward entries a game.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Ty Vickery.
The Richmond key forward is out of contract and a free agent at the end of this season, and the fact he and the Tigers are yet to agree to an extension speaks volumes about where his future lies. While maligned at times by his own club's fans, the tall forward could be a valuable commodity to a club in its premiership window. His ability to help in the ruck would only enhance his attractiveness to contenders. Strong performances in the final two weeks of the season will catch the attention of potential suitors, and maybe even the Tigers.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 12 points
