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Reimagine Moorabbin
- Aug 17, 2015
- 45,306
- 127,286
- AFL Club
- St Kilda
- Other Teams
- Phi Eagles & Phillies, Liverpool, PAO FC
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Preview
Adelaide v St.Kilda
St.Kilda's hot run of form continues, dispatching of Melbourne by 19 points on Saturday night to notch their eighth win of the year and second consecutive under caretaker coach Brett Ratten. It was the Saints second time in as many games that they have scored over one hundred points - something they failed to accomplish in the previous 22 games.
As for Adelaide, their finals hopes are fading as every week passes - this time a 27 point loss to the improved Carlton at the MCG last Saturday afternoon. Adelaide fall to an even 9-9 record after 18 games.
Let’s have a look at possible best 22s:
St.Kilda Best 22
B: Nick Coffield, Nathan Brown, Ben Paton
HB: Callum Wilkie, Jake Carlisle, Hunter Clark
C: Jack Billings, Sebastian Ross, Jack Newnes
HF: Nick Hind, Josh Bruce, Jack Steele
F: Jack Lonie, Tim Membrey, Luke Dunstan
Foll: Rowan Marshall, Blake Acres, Jade Gresham
I/C: Shane Savage, Ben Long, Jack Sinclair, Doulton Langlands
Adelaide Best 22
B: Luke Brown, Daniel Talia, Kyle Hartigan
HB: Brodie Smith, Jake Kelly, Rory Laird
C: Rory Atkins, Rory Sloane, Andy Otten
HF: Brad Crouch, Taylor Walker, Tom Lynch
F: Lachlan Murphy, Josh Jenkins, Tyson Stengle
Foll: Reilly O'Brien, Matt Crouch, Paul Seedsman
I/C: Riley Knight, David Mackay, Wayne Milera, Patrick Wilson
Medical Room
St Kilda's Blake Acres went down to the rooms early in the match but returned to the field. He was again hurt in the final term, seemingly with a right shoulder issue, but came back on to play out the clash.
The Crows were able to walk away from the game with a relatively clean bill of health.
Preview
After 17 rounds the Saints had been written off by many - sitting 6-10 after a loss in Geelong and Alan Richardson stepping down. However since that time, interim coach Brett Ratten has instilled newfound belief in the playing group and the Saints have clawed their way back to an 8-10 record, making this Saturday night's game against Adelaide imperative on their finals chances this year. St.Kilda wouldn't be in this position however without the impressive display they showed last Saturday night, beating Melbourne by 19 points and continuing to turn their form around.
It's funny how optimistic supporters can be after a win, and as such there were many positive signs to come out of last weekend's game. Most notably was the performance of Seb Ross who was back to his all-time best with 31 disposals, 7 marks, 9 tackles and two goals to be adjudged the Saints best on the night.
Other notable performances included Jade Gresham (32 disposals, 5 marks), Jack Steele (22 touches, 5 marks, 12 tackles), Hunter Clark (23 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles) and key forward Josh Bruce (10 possessions, 5 marks, 4 goals).
One word to describe Adelaide's season in a nutshell has been: inconsistent. After many had high hopes for the Crows in 2019, they have stumbled their way to an even 9-9 record, having beaten Sydney, Gold Coast (twice), St.Kilda, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, Melbourne, GWS and Richmond, however they have lost just as many - against Hawthorn, Geelong (twice), North Melbourne, Brisbane, West Coast, Port Adelaide, Essendon & Carlton. Having only beaten one top four side all season, Adelaide's 8th placing after 19 rounds seems reasonable. They will be looking to make amends for their disappointing result against Carlton last week at the MCG, going down by 27 points.
In what was a bitterly disappointing day for the Crows, positives were hard to come by. Reilly O'Brien was voted as the best Crow on the day, amassing 20 disposals and 8 marks to go along with 32 hit-outs.
Others who stood up in the loss were Rory Sloane who continues his B&F winning form line with 26 touches, 5 marks and 8 tackles. Adelaide's skipper Taylor Walker finished with three goals from 11 touches, and Brad Crouch continued his stellar year with 30 possessions and a goal.
Potential changes
Josh Battle looks set to return to the senior side after injury.
Other potential changes could be Jimmy Webster who will need to train on Thursday to be eligible for selection.
Key Match-Ups
Rory Sloane
Sloane's form has continued in 2019 and has been one of the Crows shining lights in a somewhat disappointing season. St.Kilda's Jack Steele may get the run-with role here, and will need to limit Sloane's impact on the game if the Saints are going to be any chance.
Reilly O'Brien
One of the more fascinating match-ups of Saturday night, in-form Crows ruckman Reilly O'Brien will be up against one of the best young ruckmen in the competition in Rowan Marshall. Both can win their own ball, and after O'Brien's 32 hit-out, 20 disposal game against the Blues last weekend, it will take Marshall and the Saints midfield's best effort to slow O'Brien down.
Tip
Definitely some bias here. St.Kilda have not beaten Adelaide in Adelaide since 2009, and never at the Adelaide oval. St.Kilda's last win over Adelaide was in 2011 so there are a fair few records to be broken if St.Kilda manages to come away with a win on Saturday night. Both teams are in the mix for a final eight spot, and with the Crows form falling by the wayside, I have a sneaking suspicion St.Kilda will be primed to win their ninth game of the year and remain in the hunt for the finals.
Saints by 2 points.
Thoughts?