SUMMARY
This is a season-defining clash for both teams with the loser set to face a steep uphill battle to make finals. The Demons appeared to be well placed to reach September for the first time since 2006 when they defeated Port Adelaide in round 18. But the close-knit nature of the top eight does not allow for any slip-ups and losses to North Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney in recent weeks have been major setbacks for the Demons' finals chances. Had St Kilda not beaten West Coast on Sunday, its 2017 campaign was all but over but Alan Richardson's men have lived to fight another day after the thrilling eight-point result. They have sometime wayward forward Jack Billings to thank for that. Prior to the start of the season, these two teams were selected by many to climb up the ladder and feature in finals. By Sunday evening, we'll know a fair bit more about what each team is made of for now and into the future.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, August 13, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R1, 2017, Melbourne 18.12 (120) d St Kilda 13.12 (90) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2016, St Kilda 15.20 (110) d Melbourne 11.8 (74) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2016, St Kilda 20.15 (135) d Melbourne 15.6 (96) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2015, St Kilda 12.11 (83) d Melbourne 6.10 (46) at the MCG
R11, 2015, St Kilda 12.13 (85) d Melbourne 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In round one when these two teams last met, the Saints kicked six goals to two in the opening quarter. The Demons then booted 16 goals to seven after quarter-time to streak to victory.
2. The Saints have been strong in the contested marking stat this season, ranked equal-seventh. The Demons are below par in this area, ranked 16th.
3. Melbourne's win earlier this season broke a long losing sequence against St Kilda. Prior to round one, the Saints had won the previous 14 contests. The Demons haven't won two in a row against the Saints since 2006.
4. The Demons are one of the strongest contested possession teams this season, ranked second in the AFL. The Saints are well behind in 10th in that category.
5. Melbourne’s form at the MCG this season has been mixed, with the Demons winning four and losing five. St Kilda will be playing at the MCG for the first time in 2017. The Demons' form has dropped away badly in recent weeks. Since round 15, they've lost four of six matches, kicking only 72 points per game. In rounds 1-14, Melbourne's average score was 101 points.
6. Demons ruckman Max Gawn has found a hot patch of form in recent weeks and was the third overall ranked player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings for the 26.3 points he delivered against Greater Western Sydney last weekend.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Billy Longer
The St Kilda ruckman was dominant against under-sized West Coast big man Drew Petrie last week, winning 51 hit-outs and gathering 13 disposals. The competition kicks up another notch on Sunday with Max Gawn, who has returned to form in recent weeks, staring at him across the centre circles. If Longer can outpoint Gawn and St Kilda's midfielders can get on top of their opponents, then the game will be significantly swung in the Saints' favour.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 16 points
