SUMMARY
A week off might have helped St Kilda gets its collective breath back after a thrilling two-point win against Melbourne in round 11. Secured by Leigh Montagna's goal and Jack Steven's heroics, the Saints' win took them to a 4-7 record, giving them as many wins as the entire 2014 season. The Western Bulldogs (6-5) had slipped off the radar, but their emphatic second half against the Brisbane Lions put them firmly back in the finals conversation. The Dogs kicked 14 of the last 18 goals against the Lions, entering this clash on top of their running game.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 27, 7.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE
R6, 2015, St Kilda 14.10 (94) d Western Bulldogs 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2014, Western Bulldogs 18.14 (122) d St Kilda 15.9 (99) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2013, Western Bulldogs 17.8 (110) d St Kilda 15.11 (101) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2012, St Kilda 16.22 (118) d Western Bulldogs 6.6 (42) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2012, St Kilda 15.13 (103) d Western Bulldogs 5.10 (40) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In round six St Kilda trailed the Western Bulldogs by 55 points early in the third quarter before fighting back to win. David Armitage starred with 45 possessions.
2. The Bulldogs are third in the AFL this season for contested possessions, averaging 141.9 a game. The Saints are 14th at 134.6.
3. Despite the form of midfielders Armitage and Jack Steven, the Saints have struggled in the clearances this season, averaging only 35.8 a game – ranked 17th. The Bulldogs are sixth at 41.1.
4. The Bulldogs have won only two of their past nine clashes with the Saints at Etihad Stadium.
5. The Bulldogs average 91 points a game this season compared with 81 last year. They have won twice as many games at this stage of the season.
6. Since becoming the club's No.1 ruckman, Billy Longer has enjoyed a rapid climb in the Official AFL Player Ratings. He has gone from his club's 29th ranked player at the start of this season to No.13. Overall he has climbed 116 places.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Will Minson.
The Bulldogs ruckman was handed the red vest against the Lions so coach Luke Beveridge could inject more run into his team. The move had immediate results, with Jordan Roughead moving into the ruck and the Bulldogs over-running the Brisbane Lions with their spread from stoppages. Minson would be keen to re-assert himself and show the coach he can contribute to a winning formula, having already fought so hard to win back his place.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 25 points
