PRE-SEASON expectations have not exactly come to fruition for these two teams. The Saints were tipped to struggle but have brought a high level of effort to their games so far, winning two of three with captain Nick Riewoldt playing an inspiring role. Meanwhile, the Crows have lost to Geelong, Port Adelaide and the Sydney Swans with the team struggling to run out games. Coach Brenton Sanderson admitted after the Swans' loss they were "certainly starting to lean on" the panic button a little bit, entering round four without a win.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday April 13, 3.20pm (AEST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2013, Adelaide 12.15 (87) d St Kilda 6.11 (47) at AAMI Stadium
R12, 2012, Adelaide 17.13 (115) d St Kilda 16.15 (111) at AAMI Stadium
R18, 2011, St Kilda 19.13 (127) d Adelaide 3.6 (24) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2011, Adelaide 13.12 (90) d St Kilda 9.17 (71) at AAMI Stadium
R22, 2010, Adelaide 9.11 (65) d St Kilda 5.7 (37) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Rory Sloane was the star in the last clash between these sides, with 25 touches and 12 marks that earned him three Brownlow votes in round eight, 2013.
2. James Gwilt said this week he doesn't think Nick Riewoldt has started a season better than this one. In three games, Riewoldt has taken 11 marks inside 50, equal with his cousin Jack as having taking the most in the League.
3. Overall, both teams haven't been great when it comes to marking inside 50, they’re ranked equal 10th in the competition for this stat.
4. Despite starting well, the Saints have struggled for inside 50s with an average of 42 per game.
5. Adelaide has been strong in racking up uncontested possessions with a total of 693. This puts the Crows fourth while the Saints are ninth with 647.
6. Patrick Dangerfield has dropped from No.2 overall on the AFL Official Player Ratings to No.4 behind Gary Ablett, Scott Pendlebury and Joel Selwood.
