THE CATS have been in a trough since they defeated Hawthorn in round five, winning three games and losing three since then. Having been humiliated by the Sydney Swans in round 11, they were very lucky to scrape past Carlton in the opening game of round 12. Nevertheless, their overall win-loss record is an impressive 8-3 and they have reached the half-way mark of their home and away campaign in fifth place on the ladder, just percentage outside the top four. And Geelong won't get a better chance to find form than in this clash against the battling Saints, who are second-last on the ladder and were demolished by Port Adelaide last weekend.





WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Sunday, June 15, 1.10pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R18, 2013, Geelong 21.11 (137) d St Kilda 5.6 (36) at Simonds Stadium
R21, 2012, Geelong 18.15 (123) d St Kilda 11.15 (81) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2011, Geelong 15.10 (100) d St Kilda 11.6 (72) at MCG
R1, 2011, Geelong 6.12 (48) d St Kilda 6.11 (47) at MCG
2QF, 2010, St Kilda 12.11 (83) d Geelong 11.13 (79) at MCG

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THE SIX POINTS
1. Geelong's 101-point thrashing of St Kilda at Simonds Stadium in round 18 last season was the Cats' third-greatest winning margin against the Saints.

2. The Cats have struggled in front of the big sticks this season. In fact, they are the least accurate team in the competition, converting just 45.9 per cent of their shots. The Saints are 12th, converting 47.7 per cent of their shots.

3. The Saints last won in Geelong in 1999. Lenny Hayes is the only player on St Kilda's list who played in that victory.

4. St Kilda has averaged only 9.5 goals per game in 2014, which is the second-lowest in the competition. Yet the Saints' skipper, Nick Riewoldt, is equal-third on the goalkicking table with 31.

5.  Geelong has been strong when it comes to marks inside 50 this season. The Cats are ranked second, averaging 13.5 per game. Burly forward Tom Hawkins is averaging 4.2 per game.

6. Geelong midfielder Mathew Stokes has reached a career-high position in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. Having started the season at No. 130 on the ratings table, he is now No. 68.

Prediction: Geelong by 75 points

Twitter: @AFL_AdamMcNicol