The Saints were unable to back up their impressive Monday night win over Carlton on Sunday evening when they faced Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. They went down to the Crows by 40 points, which saw them drop to 2-6 for the season and 15th on the ladder. The Bulldogs travelled north to face Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, where the Suns – buoyed by their commanding win over Melbourne last week – ran out 31-point winners. The Dogs are now 1-7 and sitting 16th on the ladder.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday May 25, 4.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
PAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 18, 2012, St Kilda 16.22 (118) d Western Bulldogs 6.6 (42) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 3, 2012, St Kilda 15.13 (103) d Western Bulldogs 5.10 (40) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 12, 2011, St Kilda 12.9 (91) d Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57) at Etihad Stadium
2PF, 2010, St Kilda 13.10 (88) d Western Bulldogs 8.16 (64) at the MCG
Rd 6, 2010, St Kilda 7.7 (49) d Western Bulldogs 6.10 (46) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt's form this season has been nothing short of impressive, with the 30-year-old kicking 22 goals across his eight games, leaving him equal fifth in the race for the Coleman medal. He has also risen in the Official AFL Player Ratings from an overall standing of 143 in round one to 87 heading into round nine.
2. The Saints and the Dogs clashed twice during 2012 with the former the big winners by 63 and 76 points in rounds three and 18 respectively. They've dominated the Dogs recently, winning the past eight games. The Dogs haven't defeated them since round 11, 2008 at Etihad Stadium.
3. If the Saints win again, they will equal their club record longest winning sequence against the Bulldogs of nine games, which was originally set in 1965-69. It will be the 153rd contest between the sides.
4. St Kilda holds the advantage overall, winning 79 games to 70 with three draws. At Etihad Stadium, the Saints also lead having won 11 games to five with one draw.
5. Riewoldt and Stephen Milne have kicked 77 goals between them against the Dogs from a total of 36 games. Milne is currently the 23rd-ranked forward in the League, according to the Official AFL Player Ratings.
6. The Bulldogs have the third worst defence this season and is one of only three teams to concede more than 1000 points. However, they've been strong in contested possessions, being ranked sixth, while the Saints have struggled and are ranked 16th.
