SUMMARY
Carlton can go into its bye week at 7-5, a scenario almost impossible to imagine at the start of the season. The Blues have attained that record by outworking their opponents, but St Kilda will want to respond after a meek performance against Adelaide. It's an injury-ravaged team that will face Carlton though, with their options in defence particularly limited: Sam Fisher, Sean Dempster and Hugh Goddard are all missing. The Blues are kicking a goal per game more than they did last year, and expect them to take advantage of a backline bereft of its primary stoppers. Bryce Gibbs is significantly improved from last season, racking up five disposals per match more than he did in 2015, and Alan Richardson will need his midfielders to be at their peak to stop Gibbs and his teammates.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, June 12, 1.10pm AEST
The Saints will need Sam Gilbert to cover a number of Blues on Sunday. Picture: AFL Media
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2015, Carlton 18.13 (121) d St Kilda 12.9 (81) at Westpac Stadium
R16, 2014, Carlton 24.7 (151) d St Kilda 10.6 (66) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2014, Carlton 15.11 (101) d St Kilda 9.15 (69) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2013, Carlton 16.14 (110) d St Kilda 10.14 (74) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2013, St Kilda 11.11 (77) d Carlton 9.14 (68) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these teams played, St Kilda led by 14 points at the main break before conceding 12 goals to four in the second half. Lachie Henderson booted five goals and Tom Bell bagged four, while Marc Murphy picked up 34 disposals. None will be there this time.
2. The Saints are 3-3 at Etihad Stadium this year but are 1-4 away from the ground.
3. Carlton has won the past four clashes between the two sides. The Saints won nine of 11 before that.
4. No team has received fewer free kicks this season than St Kilda, with 174. That's almost 20 fewer than the 17th-ranked Gold Coast.
5. The Saints are 12-7 against Carlton at Etihad Stadium, although the two clubs didn't face each other at the ground in 2015.
6. Carlton has two players in the top 100 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings, while St Kilda has four.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Sam Gilbert
The Saints are without talls at both ends of the ground, so Gilbert will likely be required as a swingman to fix any problems that arise.
PREDICTION: Carlton by 26 points.
