SUMMARY
While it looms as a danger game for the finals-bound Bulldogs, it's a must-win if they want to finish in the top-four. The Saints are dangerous on the quick deck Etihad Stadium provides, and if they get enough supply to their tall forwards they could cause an upset. Skipper Nick Riewoldt has been a constant thorn in the Dogs' side over the years and his influence will need to be negated. Luke Beveridge's men should have the edge in the all-important midfield battle, but the Saints, led by Jack Steven, are no slouches. With Jake Stringer missing with a shoulder complaint, it will be left to Tom Boyd in his second game back from suspension, Jack Redpath and the midfield to kick a winning score. If the Dogs are serious about a flag tilt, they should win comfortably.
Tom Boyd needs a big night after returning last week against the Suns. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, July 23, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2016, Western Bulldogs 13.15 (93) d St Kilda 5.6 (36) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2015, Western Bulldogs 9.8 (62) d St Kilda 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2015, St Kilda 14.10 (94) d Western Bulldogs 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2014, Western Bulldogs 18.14 (122) d St Kilda 15.9 (99) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2013, Western Bulldogs 17.8 (110) d St Kilda 15.11 (101) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Etihad Stadium co-tenants have played 22 times at the venue, with St Kilda winning 12 games to nine.
2. While the Dogs broke the 100-point barrier for the first time in eight weeks in last week's win over Gold Coast, their ongoing inefficiency up forward was still evident, kicking just 15.17 from 57 forward 50 entries.
3. Nick Riewoldt tends to save his best for the Bulldogs, with the Saints skipper taking a career-high 65 contested marks and a third-best 54 goals against them.
4. St Kilda and the Bulldogs clash for the 158th time. The Saints hold a narrow advantage, winning 80 games to 74, with three draws.
5. Saturday night’s game is a clash of Etihad Stadium specialists, with the Dogs holding a 78 per cent success rate at the venue since the start of last season, while St Kilda has a 70 per cent strike rate there this season.
6. Marcus Bontempelli is the highest ranked Bulldog in the Schick AFL Player Ratings at five, while Saint Jack Steven sits six spots back at 11th overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom Boyd
With Jake Stringer missing, it's a perfect opportunity for the high-priced recruit to pick up the slack and help the Dogs kick a winning score. He was serviceable last week, but needs to start influencing games if the Dogs are to win the flag.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 38 points
