George
Premium Platinum
St Kilda - Marcus Windhager Player Sponsor 2023
St Kilda - Marcus Windhager Player Sponsor 2022
St Kilda - James Frawley Player Sponsor 2021
Saints Pledge Contributor
St Kilda - Doulton Langlands Player Sponsor 2020
St Kilda - Nathan Freeman Player Sponsor 2018
St Kilda - Robbie Young Player Sponsor 2019
Reimagine Moorabbin
- Aug 17, 2015
- 45,306
- 127,288
- AFL Club
- St Kilda
- Other Teams
- Phi Eagles & Phillies, Liverpool, PAO FC
Previous Meetings:
Round 18, 2017 - Sydney (14.17.101) defeated St.Kilda (9.5.59)
Round 9, 2017 - St.Kilda (10.8.68) defeated by Sydney (18.10.118)
Round 21, 2016 - St.Kilda (11.10.76) defeated by Sydney (23.8.146)
______________________________________________________________
Preview
St.Kilda v Sydney
St.Kilda boarded a plane for Perth for the second time in a month to face West Coast for the first time this season. In what seemed to be turning into a predictable one-sided contest in the Eagles favour, the Saints played with renewed spirit and confidence, clawing their way back from 48 points down at three quarter time to trim the margin to 13 at the final siren. It was another loss for the Saints but there were plenty of positives to take out of the game and it would seem St.Kilda have a bit of their mojo back.
Sydney hosted bottom of the ladder Carlton in what many seemed to be a shoe-in victory for the home side. Carlton came out with vigour in the first half and led the top four placed Swans by a point at half time, but the class of Lance Franklin & co steered the Swans to what was in the end a comfortable 30 point victory.
Let’s have a look at possible best 22s:
St.Kilda Best 22
B: Jarryn Geary, Nathan Brown, Dylan Roberton
HB: Shane Savage, Jake Carlisle, Jimmy Webster
C: Jack Sinclair, Jack Steele, Jack Newnes
HF: Blake Acres, Josh Bruce, Jack Billings
F: Jade Gresham, Paddy McCartin, Tim Membrey
Foll: Billy Longer, Seb Ross, Jack Steven
I/C: David Armitage, Koby Stevens, Sam Gilbert, Mav Weller
Sydney Best 22
B: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Aliir Aliir
HB: Jarrad McVeigh, Dane Rampe, Jake Lloyd
C: Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy, Zak Jones
HF: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, George Hewett
F: Will Hayward, Lance Franklin, Tom Papley
Foll: Kurt Tippett, Luke Parker, Isaac Heeney
I/C: Callum Mills, Nic Newman, Oliver Florent, Dean Towers
Medical Room
For the Saints - Bailey Rice was hobbling on the boundary line midway through the first term and received treatment for a sore hip. Rice then copped a Mark LeCras kick to his lower leg and was helped from the ground by trainers and went to the rooms, but returned in the second half. Paddy McCartin came from the ground late in the first term after a heavy collision in a pack, however he was fine after a breather on the bench. Jarryn Geary was taken to the rooms in the third quarter and returned to the bench with his left calf strapped but played no further part and is likely to miss matches.
The Swans looked to have come through the match with Carlton without any worries.
Preview
St.Kilda's effort over recent weeks continues to instil belief in senior coach Alan Richardson's plan, and many of the youngsters that have played in recent weeks have stood up against quality opposition. After a solid performance a week ago against Richmond, the Saints came to Perth to face the Eagles who sit atop the AFL ladder after 10 rounds. St.Kilda's young brigade went down early but fought back and took it to the Eagles in the final quarter, kicking 7 goals to 1 and reducing the margin from 48 points to 13.
As for the notable performers, it was Tim Membrey returning to some form, kicking 6 straight goals to go along with his 20 disposals and 9 marks in a best on ground display for the Saints.
Others who stood up included midfielders Jack Sinclair (29 disposals, 5 marks, 8 tackles, 1 goal), Seb Ross (32 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles) and Jack Steven with 24 possessions and 5 tackles. In defence it was Logan Austin who, whilst beaten by his opponent Josh Kennedy (6 goals), can hold his head high after finishing the game with 26 possessions and 14 marks.
Of course it was indigenous round in the AFL and the Saints did their bit;
A day earlier the Swans hosted the Blues on Friday night football.
Sydney have been consistently strong for many years and this season is no different. Notable performers for the Swans on Friday night were ruckman Callum Sinclair, who finished as the Swans best on the night with 22 disposals, 7 marks, 26 hit-outs, 4 tackles and 2 goals for good measures.
Star forward Lance Franklin finished with 3.2 from 15 disposals and 5 marks, and midfielders Josh Kennedy, Jake Lloyd, and Isaac Heeney finished with 26, 24, and 22 possessions respectively.
Sydney are always a threat and they have been strong again this year. They are the only side to have beaten the 10-1 1st placed Eagles, and along the way have beaten GWS, Western Bulldogs, Geelong, Hawthorn, Fremantle, Brisbane and Carlton. Losses against Port Adelaide, Adelaide and North Melbourne. Sydney are a top four contender this year and should be considered a premiership threat but they are beatable if their opposition has a strong day out.
Potential changes
St.Kilda came out of Perth relatively unscathed, although a calf strain to skipper Jarryn Geary will open the door for a few pressing their case for selection. First year player Nick Coffield could be that man, after dominating in the VFL on Saturday. Coff finished with 31 disposals, 9 marks and 6 tackles and would provide the Saints with some polish down back.
Another who could make his return is inside midfielder David Armitage. Armitage collected 28 disposals, 8 tackles and 11 inside 50's in the VFL on the weekend.
Key Match-Ups
Franklin v Austin
Logan Austin has been strong for the Saints in his two games this year, and will most likely have the job on one of the games greats in Lance Franklin on Saturday night. Austin was beaten by Josh Kennedy of the Eagles last weekend (6 goals), however Austin did finish with 26 touches and a game high 14 marks. If Austin can keep the Swans superstar quiet the Saints will have a much better chance of causing the upset.
Sinclair v Hickey
Callum Sinclair had arguably his best game all year on Friday night, and finished with 20 possessions and 26 hit-outs in a dominant display against the Blues. St.Kilda ruckman Tom Hickey has been good over the past month and played well again on Saturday night albeit up against Scott Lycett and Nic Naitanui for most of the night. Hickey finished with 28 hit-outs to go along with 18 disposals. If Tom can get the ascendency in the middle of the ground to give our midfielders first use it will be crucial.
Tip
St.Kilda have been much much better over the past few weeks and will be looking to continue to improve as the season progresses. Sydney on paper are a far more experienced and talented side and ultimately I think they will win the game but I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints hang with them for most of the night. An upset is unlikely but wouldn't be TOO far out of the question, and would be absolutely massive for the playing group.
Swans by 17 points.
Thoughts?
