SUMMARY
It is now or never for St Kilda. A loss to the Sydney Swans will make it basically impossible for the Saints to make finals, while a win puts them right in the hunt (as long as North Melbourne does not win again). However, the Swans have plenty to play for as well. They need to keep winning to lock up the top-two spot that would see them host a qualifying final. If the Saints are to have any hope of winning, the midfield battle will be critical. Swans coach John Longmire has the likes of Josh Kennedy, Daniel Hannebery, Luke Parker and Tom Mitchell at his disposal, and St Kilda's pressure and intensity will need to be top-notch if it is to keep its September dream alive.
It's always a big game against your old team, and this is huge for Tim Membrey. Picture: AFL Photos
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, August 13, 7.25PM AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2015, Sydney Swans 20.15 (135) d St Kilda 4.14 (38) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2014, Sydney Swans 19.13 (127) d St Kilda 8.8 (56) at the SCG
R21, 2013, Sydney Swans 18.10 (118) d St Kilda 8.11 (59) at the SCG
R5, 2013, Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) d St Kilda 9.9 (63) at Westpac Stadium
R17, 2012, Sydney Swans 15.15 (105) d St Kilda 10.16 (76) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these teams met, Daniel Hannebery racked up 39 disposals, Tom Mitchell had 34 touches and two goals, while Isaac Heeney booted four himself.
2. The Swans are the No. 1 ranked defence and have conceded just 67 points per game. St Kilda is No. 13, at 92 points per game.
3. John Longmire's men have dominated these contests recently, having won seven of the last eight. The Saints have not won since round nine, 2012.
4. Etihad Stadium has been a good venue for the Sydney Swans – they have won their past nine matches there.
5. St Kilda's array of forward targets has them ranked second in the competition for marks inside-50, while the Swans are 13th.
6. Josh Kennedy is ranked second in the Schick AFL Player Ratings over the last four weeks, of those who have played at least three games. He is fourth overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tim Membrey.
It will be the first time the forward has played against his former team after being picked up by the Saints as a delisted free agent, and the 22-year-old is arguably the most improved player in the competition. After a bag of five against Carlton last week, he will be determined to back up that performance against the premiership-contending Swans.
PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 17 points.
