SUMMARY
St Kilda veteran Leigh Montagna kicked the match-winning goal with just seconds remaining when these sides met in round 11 this season, as the Saints got up by two points. Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt kicked four goals while Melbourne youngster Jesse Hogan bagged five in an eye-catching display. The Demons come into the game having won two of their past four games, while the Saints have won just one in the past month. Nonetheless, St Kilda took Richmond down to the wire in Sunday's game at Etihad Stadium. Look for another close game between these two.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, July 26, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R11, 2015, St Kilda 12.13 (85) d Melbourne 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2014, St Kilda 10.8 (68) d Melbourne 6.15 (51) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2013, St Kilda 16.8 (104) d Melbourne 10.9 (69) at the MCG
R20, 2012, St Kilda 16.11 (107) d Melbourne 12.10 (82) at the MCG
R5, 2012, St Kilda 12.12 (84) d Melbourne 10.6 (66) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. St Kilda has averaged 209.3 kicks per game and is ranked fifth in the competition in that stat. Melbourne is last with 188.8 kicks per game.
2. The Saints have won the past 11 matches against Melbourne. The Demons' last win against St Kilda came in the 2006 elimination final.
3. Melbourne is ranked 16th in the competition in scores for, averaging 71.8 points per game.
4. Melbourne has two players – Jeff Garlett (29 goals) and Jesse Hogan (28) – who have booted more than 10 goals this season. The Saints have six players – Josh Bruce (40), Nick Riewoldt (21), Jack Sinclair (14), Maverick Weller (11), Jack Lonie (10) and David Armitage (10) – who have achieved that feat.
5. Melbourne holds the advantage (58-34) in games played between the sides at the MCG.
6. St Kilda's Maverick Weller was the sixth-highest scoring player (24.7 points) in the Official AFL Player Ratings in round 16.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Heritier Lumumba. The dashing wingman has been almost non-existent in recent weeks, racking up 12 disposals against Essendon in round 15 and eight touches against the Lions last weekend. Lumumba's run and carry is his main strength but he has not been able to provide even that in recent weeks. The Demons need the former Magpie to stand up if they are to win a game like this against the Saints.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by three points
