SUMMARY
Prior to the season, Melbourne and St Kilda were two teams widely tipped to push into finals contention. After 14 rounds, the Demons are well in the finals race, while the Saints find themselves massively off the pace. Following two losses in a row, Melbourne needs a win to get its season back on track and keep pace with the AFL's top four. With a tricky fixture to navigate at the end of the season, capitalising on wins now will be crucial for the Demons' finals chances. For Alan Richardson's side, building on the momentum it gained in a thrilling win over Gold Coast prior to the bye will be paramount. The Saints can't change how they performed in the first half of the season but finishing off the year by pinching a few wins will be paramount.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday July 1, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: http://www.afl.com.au/tv-radio/broadcastguide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2018, Melbourne 16.10 (106) d St Kilda 9.13 (67) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2017, Melbourne 14.12 (96) d St Kilda 10.12 (72) at the MCG
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne led from start to finish against St Kilda in round seven this season, eventually triumphing by 39 points. Clayton Oliver starred with 36 disposals, one goal, five inside 50s and 11 clearances.
2. There is a big difference in scoring power between the sides. The Demons are the highest-scoring side this season, averaging 103 points per game, compared to the Saints, who are ranked 16th (68 points).
3. Melbourne has now won the last three clashes between the sides, ending St Kilda’s dominance of 14 consecutive wins in 2007-16. The Demons haven’t won four in a row over the Saints since 2002-04.
4. The Demons are the number one contested possession team this season, averaging 162.8 per game. The Saints are ranked 16th with an average of 137.2.
5. Another loss for Melbourne and it will be the first time since rounds three-five last season they will have lost three games in a row. St Kilda hasn't won consecutive matches since rounds 15-16, 2017.
6. St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven has moved to 19th position in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, averaging 14.6 points from 13 matches this season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Christian Petracca is a star but has not had the impact he would have liked to have on games in recent weeks. The Demons are confident a breakout period is not too far away and Petracca could be the difference maker in their run towards finals.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 27 points
