Autopsy AFL 2019 Round 18: St Kilda v Western Bulldogs, 4:40pm AEST Marvel Stadium

[Chief]

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Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Sunday July 21, 4.40pm AEST

TV, radio and online: Click here for broadcast guide

What it means for St Kilda: A fresh start. It's been inevitable for a while that Alan Richardson wouldn't be coaching next year. That speculation will be gone now and the club will hope to receive the bounce that often seems to happen when an interim, in this case Brett Ratten, is placed in charge.

What it means for Western Bulldogs: At 8-8, making the top eight is a genuine possibility. However, the Dogs' percentage of 94.8 is a fair way behind their rivals. Making up at least some of that margin would be significant for their finals chances.

The stat: Interim coaches are 2-0 in their first game in charge this season.

The match-up: Josh Dunkley v Jack Steele
St Kilda's stopper could go to Marcus Bontempelli, but Dunkley makes more sense as a match-up, since he has similar physical characteristics to Steele. Considering how dominant Dunkley was against Melbourne, anything Steele can do to keep the Bulldog quiet would go a long way to the Saints emerging victorious.

It’s a big week for: Luke Beveridge
Missing finals for three successive years following a flag is something the Dogs coach would not be happy to see. He's contracted until the end of 2020 and the club has made noises about extending that deal, so he's not under significant pressure, but a win would be critical for their top-eight chances considering the club's tough run home.

Big call: The combined tally of behinds to double the combined tally of goals.

Prediction: Western Bulldogs by 14 points

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
More By Dinny Navaratnam

 

[Macca18]

Bulldogs are a bit of a tease.

Seen them beat Geelong (1st) & Richmond (although a little depleted at the time, 5th) ... yet lose at home to Gold Coast (18th), thumped by Carlton in their first game (16th) and just get over the line last week against Melbourne (17th).

If Saints are good enough today in their first game under Ratten, they can win it.

 

[_Mike_]

If Saints are good enough today in their first game under Ratten, they can win it.

We're due for a loss, pencil it in.

 

[projectv]

Why was that mark not paid to Parker? It looked pretty good?

 

[windyhill]

Johannison turning it over !?!? No way !

 

[Atomboy]

Should have been a free kick to the dogs ruckman as well ala Ben Brown last week.

Inconsistent

 

[The Joker]

Of all the bad below the knee decisions we've seen, they miss one that could have caused serious damage.

 

[projectv]

What the hell am I watching?

Lonie is a gun.

Go Saints.

 

[Shaq attack]

Always love watching the Bulldogs lose. Good start Saints.

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Want to win an undefeated premiership? Just sack your coach every week.

 

[Chaisa]

Saints on fire!

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Great start by the Saints

 

[PerthBoy86]

The new coach effect?

Game almost feels over by quarter time.

 

[Donakebab]

This is glorious Saints. Bury them.

 

[projectv]

Not seen us get the jump like this since Maddie's match vs Richmond back in 2017.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

This is glorious Saints. Bury them.

And this is exactly why Tippa should stay at the Dons

 

[Coaster2012]

Shows how much of this game is between the ears. 3 teams fire their coach and the team changes overnight.

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Shows how much of this game is between the ears. 3 teams fire their coach and the team changes overnight.

Crazy

 

[M Malice]

Stand by for the Brett Ratten appointed announcement at half time.

 

[charcoalchicken]

Game's over by qtr time

 

[RAPPA]

If Ratts secures the win and keeps the form going to the end of the season. Brad Scott won’t have a job

 

[Dazb86]

We can't kick scores quickly for a comeback. Games done.

GG saints

 

[The 747]

If Saints are good enough today in their first game under Ratten, they can win it.

Thanks for that insight Macca

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

You reckon Nick will be rubbing it into Brad Johnston in the box haha

 

[The 747]

This thug dude in St Kilda's forward line (just kicked a goal) is a pretty decent player from what I have seen.