SUMMARY
Milestones don't come any bigger than breaking the all-time VFL/AFL games record and North Melbourne will be desperate to celebrate Brent Harvey's achievement with a win, but this clash will also have huge ramifications for the top eight. North can all but seal finals football for a third year in a row, while St Kilda could close within a game of the eighth-placed Roos. The Saints spectacularly outran the Western Bulldogs last Saturday night and have now won five of their last six games, which included an upset of Geelong at Etihad Stadium. St Kilda has become specialists under the roof and has pace to burn, which could seriously trouble North Melbourne's midfield. The Roos easily accounted for Collingwood last round to end a five-game losing streak, but have they turned the corner? We'll find out plenty about these teams in round 19.
Brent Harvey will break the VFL-AFL games record this week. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, July 30, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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 Etihad Stadium
R17, 2014, North Melbourne 13.14 (92) d St Kilda 3.15 (33) at Blundstone Arena
R10, 2013, North Melbourne 19.19 (133) d St Kilda 10.5 (65) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2012, North Melbourne 21.10 (136) d St Kilda 15.13 (103) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. North Melbourne has dominated the Saints in recent times, winning the past five encounters. St Kilda hasn't beaten the Roos since round 23, 2011.
2. St Kilda's record away from home has left a bit to be desired, but the Saints have won seven in a row at Etihad Stadium, including victories over the finals-bound Cats and Bulldogs this season.
3. Another win and St Kilda will have had its best season since 2012, when it finished ninth with 12 wins. North Melbourne is aiming to book a third-straight finals berth.
4. At the ripe old age of 38, Brent Harvey is closing in on his best goal tally in a season. 'Boomer' has booted 29 majors, only seven fewer than his career-high of 36 in 2007.
5. The Saints have the best disposal efficiency of any team at 75.3 per cent, while the Kangaroos are ranked eighth at 73.6 per cent.
6. Dynamic St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven has climbed into the top 10 of the Schick Official Player Ratings for the first time. Steven started the year in 72nd spot but is up to 10th after his 39-disposal, one-goal performance against the Bulldogs.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Brent Harvey, obviously.
The 38-year-old has never lost a milestone game and he'll want to keep that history perfect in his record-breaking 427th match. The Roos can cement their finals spot on Saturday night and Harvey will hope to lead them to victory.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 11 points
