SUMMARY
Other results must go St Kilda's way if it is to make finals for the first time since 2011 but in all likelihood, September action appears out of reach for the Saints. That will obviously be a disappointing result for the Saints but if they win their final two games, they will match the 12 wins from last year, despite a harder fixture and a lengthier injury list. North Melbourne has shown it won't be an easy beat, despite being in contention to 'win' the wooden spoon. The Kangaroos' attacking game style should make for an entertaining contest under the roof at Etihad Stadium, although the sides had a relatively dull contest last time they faced each other, with the Saints holding the upper hand throughout. Ben Brown has been one of the competition's premier key forwards this year and his performance will be crucial if the Roos are to win.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, August 20, 3.20PM AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2017, St Kilda 12.17 (89) d North Melbourne 10.12 (72) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2016, North Melbourne 12.13 (85) d St Kilda 8.14 (62) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2016, North Melbourne 11.16 (82) d St Kilda 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2015, North Melbourne 18.12 (120) d St Kilda 11.17 (83) at Blundstone Arena
R17, 2014, North Melbourne 13.14 (92) d St Kilda 3.15 (33) at Blundstone Arena
THE SIX POINTS
1. Seb Ross was the star for the Saints in round 13, picking up 32 disposals, six tackles and five clearances. Ben Cunnington racked up the same amount of the footy, with 26 handballs.
2. The Saints are ranked third for average disposals, with 396.5 per game. The Kangaroos are 14th, averaging 366.7 per game.
3. St Kilda's win in round 13 broke a six-game losing sequence against North Melbourne.
4. Not much separates the two sides at Etihad Stadium. Of the 21 contests there, St Kilda leads with 11 wins to 10. North has lost 10 of 12 games at Etihad this season.
5. The Roos are leaking big scores. Since round 11, they’ve conceded 105 points per game and have lost nine of 10 matches.
6. Ben Brown has been on the rise in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. After starting the season ranked No. 183, he's up to No. 136.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Luke Dunstan.
The tough nut's form has been impressive since he returned from a stint in the VFL, but some of his ball use early in last week's lost to Melbourne was costly. He would be looking to remedy his kicking against the Roos.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 16 points.
