Preview: Saints v Blues
The Blues are suddenly red-hot, but the Saints have had their measure lately
SUMMARY
Things haven't been going to plan this season for the Saints. Injuries and form issues have hurt them, although they were brave against Collingwood on Friday night. Their only win has come over Greater Western Sydney with losses to Gold Coast, Richmond, Essendon and the Sydney Swans making up their season to date. Meanwhile, the Blues have put together three wins in a row to make their disappointing start to the season a distant memory. They've recently beaten West Coast, Adelaide and Melbourne after losing to Richmond, Collingwood and Geelong in the opening rounds.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Monday May 13, 7.40pm
LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 23, 2012, St Kilda 16.10 (106) d Carlton 12.19 (91) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 7, 2012, St Kilda 19.8 (122) d Carlton 14.14 (98) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 24, 2011, St Kilda 13.8 (86) d Carlton 9.12 (66) at the MCG
Rd 7, 2011, Carlton 11.18 (84) d St Kilda 12.9 (81) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 7, 2010, Carlton 20.9 (129) d St Kilda 9.14 (68) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. St Kilda defeated Carlton twice in 2012; winning by 24 points in round seven and 15 points in round 23. Both games were at Etihad Stadium.
2. The Saints have had a remarkable record against the Blues over the past decade – since 2002 they've recorded 15 wins to just two, including a club record of 12 straight victories between 2002-09.
3. This will be the 211th clash between the sides and Carlton holds a clear advantage, winning 158 times to 50, with two draws. But at Etihad Stadium, there have been 15 previous meetings with St Kilda winning 11 games to four.
4. Saints stars Nick Riewoldt and Stephen Milne enjoy playing Carlton, having kicked 81 goals between them against the Blues. Milne is set to run out for his 264th game, which will see him equal James McDonald for the most games played by anyone who began their career on a rookie list.
5. Carlton has been strong for contested possessions this season, ranked third overall while St Kilda is ranked third last. Both teams have been strong in running bounces this season – the Blues being ranked first and the Saints third.
6. Did you know this will be only the 19th Monday night game and will be the fourth involving St Kilda and Carlton?