THE POST MORTEM
After the game last weekend, both coaching groups would have spent hours going through the different tactics employed by the opposition.

This process would have involved the line coaches looking at their particular areas, a statistical analysis of the game and also a review of each individual player on the day.

And this information will be held in the highest regard when it comes to preparation for this weekend.

Mick Malthouse is a very big believer in The Art of War by Sun Tzu, and that oppositions are creatures of habit. He believes they'll go back to what they did last time, especially those things that worked and knowing Ross Lyon, he will try and stick to his successful and proven game plan.

MUSTS AND MUST NOTS
In the post-match reviews for both clubs there will be some absolute musts for this weekend.

From the Saints' point of view, they must not allow Collingwood so many inside 50s. As good as St Kilda's defence is it's hard to believe the back six can withstand 60-plus inside 50s against them again and still win, or draw.

The Saints must not leave Nick Maxwell alone in the backline, where he can generate the play, create two-on-ones and overlap; all of which allow Collingwood easy progression into the forward line. The Saints must round him up. They need to play three on two, bring their small forwards up the ground and deny Maxwell an opponent to stand in front of. All of these tactics will help minimise his influence.

Lastly, St Kilda must keep Stephen Milne deep in the forward line to ensure that Harry O'Brien goes with him and stays out of the play. This match-up looked dangerous for Collingwood last weekend and you get the feeling Milney will be even more comfortable with it on Saturday.

Collingwood also have a few things they must do and not do this week.

First of all, the Pies must be ready for the Farren Ray v Dane Swan match-up, which was very successful for the Saints in the second half last weekend. Swan must man-handle him ... and hard.

Secondly, they must not allow Brendon Goddard, Sam Fisher and Sam Gilbert to mark the ball uncontested in the backline. To stop this Collingwood will need to, as they like to do, bring the ball forward wide and to kick the ball long and deep to a position, so that the ball either goes out of bounds or is forced to the ground.

The number of marks St Kilda takes in the back half will be a direct reflection of how smart the Collingwood forwards have been. The Magpie forwards must not allow themselves to be outmarked and need to bring the ball to ground to give their small forwards an opportunity to kick match-winning goals.

Thirdly, Collingwood must stop St Kilda having a second man up at the ball-ups. Goddard, Lenny Hayes and a few others went up against Darren Jolly in the ruck continually last weekend. The Magpies have to make sure that any of their midfielders who aren't getting much of the ball - as was the case with Scott Pendlebury, Sharrod Wellingham and Dayne Beams - are positioning themselves to create two-on-one contests, or are standing in front of the guys going second man up for St Kilda.

Collingwood will also understand that when a ball is held up along the wing, the next kick will be long down the line to the ruckman or to Nick Riewoldt. They must stop the chain of balls coming forward as it's a brilliant opportunity to cause a turnover forward of centre and to rebound and score.

MARKED MEN
The two best players on the ground last weekend were St Kilda players, in Goddard and Hayes. It was a credit to both players that they were able to stand up on the big stage and perform at such a high level. Hayes, like Swan, is difficult to shut down because of his massive attack on the ball and physical presence, but it's my belief that you can get to Goddard by physically harassing him all day.

RUCK
I thought Jolly was outstanding at the start of the game last weekend, but Justin Koschitzke did a good job after half time. Michael Gardiner being out and Ben McEvoy coming in will be a bonus for the Saints. Nathan Brown and Ben Reid both performed above their age and experience in the grand final and I think McEvoy will do the same and surprise many with his poise and enthusiasm.

MIND GAMES
Not many of us get a second chance in life, especially in grand finals.

When those of us who played in a losing grand final get together we always dream of the 'what ifs' and think of, maybe, what we should have or could have done differently.

Most of these guys will be lucky enough to get an opportunity to atone for last week. Some will rise to the occasion, while others will fall to the depths of despair with the weight of expectation too high around their necks.

Voice, attitude, confidence and enthusiasm will be vital to display right from the opening bounce on Saturday afternoon.

Each team will need a lift at some time. They'll need to go back to the well and keep doing it again and again and I'm sure no one will be celebrating until the final - and I mean final - siren sounds.

A PLEA TO THE UMPIRES
I thought the umpires were great last weekend. Trivial hands-in-the-back infringements, deliberate out of bounds and soft free kicks were overlooked, which made for the great game and grand final it was.

Hopefully the boys can hold their nerve again and let the play go. If they do, we'll all enjoy another cracker.

THE VERDICT
The Saints are up for it and I reckon if they can shut down Collingwood's famous first-quarter starts, they'll win by four goals.

No regrets or third chances - most of you will never play in a grand final ever again so do whatever it takes and show us your best stuff.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.