THESE are two teams desperate for a win. The Blues have lost their past five games and the Saints have not tasted victory since defeating Essendon in round five. Carlton has won the past two clashes against St Kilda, winning the previous encounter between the clubs in round eight comfortably. While the Blues have been competitive against top eight teams Geelong, Hawthorn and Collingwood in the past month, poor kicking and decision-making has proved costly. Under Alan Richardson, St Kilda is rebuilding with an impressive group of youngsters coming through. But the Saints’ fortunes remain heavily reliant on their skipper Nick Riewoldt.





WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, July 6, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2014, Carlton 15.11 (101) d St Kilda 9.15 (69) Etihad Stadium
R16, 2013, Carlton 16.14 (110) d St Kilda 10.14 (74) Etihad Stadium
R7, 2013, St Kilda 11.11 (77) d Carlton 9.14 (68) Etihad Stadium
R23, 2012, St Kilda 16.10 (106) d Carlton 12.19 (91) Etihad Stadium
R7, 2012, St Kilda 19.8 (122) d Carlton 14.14 (98) Etihad Stadium

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THE SIX POINTS
1. In the Blues’ win over the Saints earlier this season Bryce Gibbs starred with 38 possessions. Nick Riewoldt was the Saints’ best with four goals.

2. Carlton has received more free kicks than any other team with 252, averaging 18 a game. St Kilda has not been a favourite of the umpires, ranked 16th with 14.9 a match.

3. Although Carlton has won the past two games between these two clubs, St Kilda has been dominant since 2002, winning 16 of the past 20.

4. Both teams have struggled to hit the target with their disposals this season. Carlton is ranked 14th at 70.9 per cent and St Kilda 15th at 70.7 per cent.

5. Carlton is ranked 16th for tackles this season at 63.6 a game. St Kilda is 11th at 65.9.

6. Chris Yarran has been a consistent performer for Carlton this season. After collecting 23 touches against Collingwood last Sunday, he moved 21 places up the Official AFL Player Ratings table from 113 to 92.

Prediction: Carlton by 40 points