Both teams enter this game desperate – really desperate – for a win. Anyone not holed up in Guatemala for the past month knows that while Roos' 2013 form has been good, they have just lacked the killer instinct to translate that form into wins against the stronger teams. The Saints have also been game this season, but would have been bitterly disappointed to lose to the Western Bulldogs last Saturday. At 2-7, the Saints' season is already effectively over, while at 3-6 North still has an outside chance of making the finals. With their season on the line, the Roos should be too good.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday June 2, 4.40pm
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R14, 2012: North Melbourne 21.10 (136) d St Kilda 15.13 (103) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2011: St Kilda 19.21 (135) d North Melbourne 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2011: St Kilda 12.7 (79) d North Melbourne 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2010: St Kilda 17.13 (115) d North Melbourne 9.9 (63) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2010: St Kilda 23.5 (143) d North Melbourne 6.3 (39) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite its 3-6 record, North Melbourne has been the fifth highest-scoring team this season, averaging 107 points a game. St Kilda is ranked 14th, having averaged 92 points a game.
2. The Kangaroos are ranked third in the AFL in contested marks this season, while St Kilda is ranked equal 13th.
3. North has also been a stronger clearance team this season. The Roos are ranked third in the competition, with the Saints languishing in 17th.
4. North and St Kilda have clashed 17 times previously at Etihad Stadium, with the Saints holding a 10-7 edge.
5. Nick Riewoldt and Stephen Milne have enjoyed playing against North in the past. Riewoldt has kicked 38 goals from 16 games against the Roos, while Milne has kicked 34 from 15 games.
6. Saints midfielder Nick Dal Santo is the highest-ranked player from either team in the Official AFL Player Ratings at No. 30, but started the season ranked No. 13.
