SUMMARY: Undefeated Essendon showed its mettle in a stirring come-from-behind win over Fremantle in round three in Perth, returning to Melbourne atop the ladder. The Bombers will be favoured against the 1-2 Saints, who got on the board with a 72-point win over GWS last Saturday. Tipping things in the Bombers' favour will be the form of Brendon Goddard, and the fact he is no longer with St Kilda, where he played 205 games before moving as a free agent. His night, and how the Bombers handle the continued spotlight they are under, will be major talking points.  

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday April 20, 4.40pm?

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LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2012, St Kilda 21.7 (133) d Essendon 8.14 (62) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2011, Essendon 21.10 (136) d St Kilda 12.12 (84) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2010, Essendon 16.12 (108) d St Kilda 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2010, Essendon 14.9 (93) d St Kilda 11.15 (81) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2009, Essendon 16.14 (110) d St Kilda 16.12 (108) at Etihad Stadium

THE SIX POINTS
1. St Kilda thrashed Essendon the last time the sides met, winning by 71-points in round 15 last season at Etihad Stadium.

2. In that match the Saints dominated across the field with 360 possessions to 322; they took more marks, 122-84; Stephen Milne booted five goals and Nick Riewoldt four.

3. Despite that result the Bombers have had the better of the Saints recently, winning four of the last five contests.

4. This will be the 207th clash between the sides and Essendon has dominated winning 138 games to the Saints 64; with four draws.

5. At Etihad Stadium there has been 16 previous contests with 10 wins to the Bombers and six to the Saints.

6. Brendon Goddard plays his first game against his former team. Goddard played 205 games for St Kilda, kicked 104 goals and played in three Grand Finals.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the author or the clubs