Where and when: AAMI Stadium, Saturday March 8, 6.50pm
Head to head (premiership season): St Kilda 10 wins, Adelaide 16 wins, one drawn
Last time: St Kilda 11.16 (82) d Adelaide 12.8 (80), round 15, 2007, at Telstra Dome
Broadcast details: TV: Channel 10 - Melbourne 19:00 (live) Adelaide 19:00 (30 minute delay), Perth 18:30 (1½ hr delay), Sydney 22:30 (3½ hr delay), Brisbane 22:30 (4½ hr delay). FoxSports Main Event: Sydney 19:00 (live), Brisbane 18:00 (live).
Radio: Melbourne: Triple M 19:00-22:30, SEN 18:00-20:15, ABC 774 18:30-22:30, 3AW 19:15-21:30, K-ROCK 18:00-23:00. Adelaide: Triple M 18:30-22:00, FIVEaa 18:00-22:00, ABC891 18:00-22:00. Hobart: ABC 936 18:30-22:30. Darwin: ABC 105.7 17:00-21:00. (All times local).
2007 ladder position: Adelaide - 8th, St Kilda - 9th.
2007 NAB Cup result: Adelaide - defeated in the first round by Port Adelaide. St Kilda - defeated in the first round by the Brisbane Lions.
SUMMARY
The expression ‘Grand Final’ and ‘Adelaide’ tends to conjure nightmarish visions for St Kilda fans, some of whom are still getting to terms with the heartbreak of 1997’s fairytale-gone-wrong.
Much of the lingering pain from that day lives on eleven years later, although the Saints did register arguably the club’s finest (1966 excluded, of course) finals moment against the Crows in 2005.
This Saturday night won’t quite be regarded as importantly as the above two clashes, but there’s plenty on the line and both sides – regardless of any mid-week sucker punches – will be out to win once the ball is bounced.
They’ve shared equally impressive campaigns, although while the Crows have managed to avoid too many heart palpitations in their trio of wins, the Saints have won their past two games with goals in the dying seconds.
As with all pre-season games, it’s difficult to pick a winner – but it may come down to who is brave enough to buck the pre-season trend and pick an experienced line-up.
MEDICAL ROOM
Adelaide
With Nathan Bock, Simon Goodwin and Nathan Bassett getting through last week unscathed, and provided there’s no last-minute withdrawals, the Crows will be fielding their strongest and fittest line-up of the NAB Cup.
St Kilda
Despite a bruising hit-out against Essendon last weekend, there were no additions to St Kilda’s infamous injury list. Max Hudghton, Matt Maguire and Brendan Goddard are still on ice with a view to the opening weeks of the season, but Justin Koschitzke and Sam Fisher look certain to return, with Luke Ball and Nick Riewoldt likely to be nursed through.
STRENGTHS
Adelaide
Neil Craig has drilled his team hard and fast this pre-season, defying the critics who suggested the Crows were due for a fall. They’ve had a terrific month of pre-season footy. Not only that, but Craig would have noticed that Essendon hurt the Saints with swift ball movement last week, and Adelaide certainly has the ability to replicate that.
St Kilda
Who would have thought we’d be saying St Kilda’s ruck division would be a strength just a month ago? Combine the impressive form of Steven King and Michael Gardiner with a midfield and half-forward line which has uncovered some brand new talent, and the Saints look increasingly strong in a previously weak area. St Kilda’s A-list forwards can look forward to much better service in 2008.
WEAKNESSES
Adelaide
There is something about the Crows which is a little no-name. Their style is honest, productive and efficient, but what happens if the Saints string together an explosive quarter or two? Will the Crows be able to find that extra gear?
St Kilda
Ross Lyon will have to choose from a squad lacking several first-choice defenders, with three of his best four tall backmen still some weeks away from returning. It probably means Raphael Clarke and Sam Fisher, usually more suited to running with abandon, will have to stay deep and play close-checking roles – not their speciality.
GAMEBREAKER
Adelaide – Brett Burton
The Birdman was up to his old tricks last week; standing on the heads of opponents and racking up a tidy sum of goals. With the Saints down on defensive numbers, he could be the beneficiary of a serious mis-match.
St Kilda – Nick Riewoldt
Riewoldt was used sparingly in the semi-final, but made a typically huge impact from limited game time. Loves the big matches and for all Adelaide’s defensive strengths, Riewoldt’s prodigious workrate makes him nearly unbeatable.
X-FACTOR – Adam Schneider
Picking up 20 touches in his first display in a St Kilda jumper, the signs were very promising for this exciting ex-Sydney forward. He’s a great finisher and has the ability to change matches. A bargain from trade week who could have an instant impact this year.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by seven points
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
