SUMMARY
Richmond has arguably been the most honest team in the competition and has generally been very tough to beat. St Kilda will need to find a way to break through a stingy Tigers defence. The feats of Alex Rance are well-known but David Astbury has played career-best football this season. It all starts in the midfield though, and Damien Hardwick has a formidable one-two punch with Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin at his disposal. Seb Ross and Koby Stevens have both been used in negating roles at times and could mind Richmond's guns. Both sides should be confident after coming off road wins – Richmond was brave against Port Adelaide while St Kilda won its third straight game against Fremantle. Jake Carlisle is returning to some of his finest form and will need to again play well to help nullify the aerial threat of Jack Riewoldt.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, July 8, 7.25PM AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2016, St Kilda 7.13 (55) d Richmond 6.10 (46) at the MCG
R16, 2015, Richmond 13.11 (89) d St Kilda 10.13 (73) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2014, Richmond 15.8 (98) d St Kilda 10.12 (72) at the MCG
R15, 2014, Richmond 18.9 (117) d St Kilda 11.7 (73) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2013, Richmond 17.17 (119) d St Kilda 8.7 (55) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was one of the lowest scoring games of 2016 when the teams last played. In perfect conditions at the MCG, only 13 goals were kicked.
2. Richmond is ranked third for inside-50s and second for marks in that part of the ground. In comparison, the Saints are 12th for inside-50s but rank third for marking it once the footy gets in there.
3. St Kilda’s win against Richmond late in 2016 was its first against the Tigers since round 21, 2010. Richmond won the previous six matches.
4. Richmond is ranked second for points conceded, with only 77 per game. It has kept its opposition to 80 points or fewer in each of its last eight matches.
5. St Kilda is aiming for four consecutive wins for the first time since rounds 17-20, 2011.
6. Tigers forward Jack Riewoldt is ranked No. 96 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings while his cousin Nick is No.150.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jack Steven.
The star midfielder hasn't been at his usual high standards recently and has been held to 17 disposals or fewer in three of his last five games. The Saints could use his dynamic influence against Richmond, which was fourth going into round 16.
PREDICTION: Richmond by eight points
