ST KILDA'S positive start to the season has taken a dive with injuries to key players in recent weeks. They were thumped by Hawthorn last Saturday by 145 points and added Jarryn Geary (elbow) to the injury list, a week after losing Eli Templeton (arm) and Sam Gilbert (foot) for longer than they expected. The Blues are now conceding they're in a rejuvenating phase after their two-game winning streak was cut down by Collingwood by 34 points last Friday night after losing Jarrad Waite (hamstring) and Andrew Carrazzo (back) before the game.



WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Monday May 12, 7.20pm

TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2013, Carlton 16.14 (110) d St Kilda 10.14 (74) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2013, St Kilda 11.11 (77) d Carlton 9.14 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2012, St Kilda 16.10 (106) d Carlton 12.19 (91) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2012, St Kilda 19.8 (122) d Carlton 14.14 (98) at Etihad Stadium
R24, 2011, St Kilda 13.8 (86) d Carlton 9.12 (66) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS
1. Carlton is excelling in the area of contested marks with an average of 12.7 per game.

2. The Saints are ranked 12th in the same area with 10.9 per game, with Rhys Stanley leading with 14 for the season (fourth in the League).

3. The Blues are ranked second in clearances behind the Sydney Swans, with Marc Murphy leading the charge with an average of six per game.

4. Clearances are not an area in which the Saints are going well. They're ranked 17th although Leigh Montagna is ranked fifth in the competition with eight per game.

5. The Saints have dominated the Blues at Etihad Stadium, winning 12 of 17 contests.

6. Kade Simpson had 28 touches and took nine marks in round 16, 2013 when the Blues beat the Saints by 36 points. It ranked him second in that game on the Official AFL Player Ratings.

Prediction: Blues by 21 points.