Game Day Round 5, 2019: Melbourne v St.Kilda

[George]

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Preview
Melbourne v St.Kilda

St.Kilda overcame a 26 point third quarter deficit to overrun the Hawks in front of 36,000 fans at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

As for the Demons, they broke their run of poor form in a solid outing in Sydney last Thursday night, beating the Swans by a comfortable 22 points.


Let’s have a look at possible best 22s:

St.Kilda Best 22
B: Jimmy Webster, Nathan Brown, Shane Savage
HB: Callum Wilkie, Josh Battle, Jarryn Geary
C: Jack Sinclair, Sebastian Ross, Jack Newnes
HF: Jack Billings, Josh Bruce, Matthew Parker
F: Jack Lonie, Tim Membrey, Ben Long
Foll: Rowan Marshall, Jack Steele, Jade Gresham
I/C: Blake Acres, Hunter Clark, Nick Hind, Daniel McKenzie

Melbourne Best 22
B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Marty Hore
HB: Billy Stretch, Sam Frost, Nathan Jones
C: Jayden Hunt, Clayton Oliver, Christian Salem
HF: Bayley Fritsch, Braydon Preuss, Angus Brayshaw
F: Charlie Spargo, Tom McDonald, Jake Melksham
Foll: Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Jack Viney
I/C: James Harmes, Sam Weideman, Corey Wagner, Josh Wagner



Medical Room

[IMG='width:651px;']https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/Media/Galleries/Matches/2019/AFL%202019%20Round%2004%20-%20St%20Kilda%20v%20Hawthorn/664249_gl.jpg[/IMG]


For the Saints, tough defender Daniel McKenzie was concussed in the second term and was ruled out of the contest. Speedy forward Matthew Parker went into the rooms in the second term to have a leg issue looked at but he came back on to the field.

As for the Demons, It was a game filled with big – but fair – hits that left several players heading to the bench to recover. Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw hit the turf hard and needed assistance, but both played out the game. Big man Braydon Preuss had a knock to his shoulder but also returned. Coach Simon Goodwin said Oscar McDonald suffered a concussion while late withdrawals Neville Jetta and Jay Lockhart are expected to be right for this week.





Preview

[IMG='width:651px;']https://i.imgur.com/N2Hkvvu.jpg[/IMG]


St.Kilda have been one of the surprises so far this year, having beaten Gold Coast, Essendon and Hawthorn on their way to 3 wins - putting them in 5th spot at the end of Round 4 - only percentage off top spot. A resurgence from players like Jack Billings and Jade Gresham, and cameo performances from fan favourites Callum Wilkie & Matthew Parker has the Saints in a good position after the first month.

After trailing by as much as 26 points midway through the third term, the Saints found another gear, clawing their way back into the contest and taking the lead with less than 5 minutes to go from a Jack Lonie goal. It was a nail biting final few minutes, but the Saints found a way to hold on and continue their impressive start.

Once again the usual likes of Jack Billings & Seb Ross stood out for the home side, finishing with 34 and 39 disposals respectively. Ross, the stand-in skipper for the injured Jarryn Geary on the day, had one of his best performances for the Saints and was a deserved best on ground.



Other notable performances included Jack Lonie (17 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 goals), Jack Steele (27 disposals, 7 tackles), Blake Acres (26 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal) and Rowan Marshall (17 dispoals, 28 hit-outs and a goal).

And a special mention to first year player Callum Wilkie, who once again had a great performance for the Saints in defense, with 21 disposals but more importantly defensive efforts like these;



After losses to Port Adelaide, Geelong and Essendon, Melbourne were looking to get back on the winners list and get their season back on track as they flew to Sydney to face the Swans in what really was a must win clash for last years preliminary finalists.

They didn't disappoint, and after being challenged early the Demons kicked away to record their first win of the season, a hard earned 22 point victory which lifts them from the bottom of the ladder after four rounds.

Max Gawn & Clayton Oliver were tremendous again for the visitors. Gawn finishing the game with 19 disposals, 5 marks and a whopping 55 hit-outs to be adjudged the Demons best on ground. Oliver was instrumental in the middle as well, ending the night with 33 disposals and 7 marks.



Potential changes

[IMG='width:651px;']https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/Samples/605557-tlslargelandscape.jpg[/IMG]

Nick Hind once again staked his claim for an AFL debut after continuing his excellent form in the VFL - the speedy half back finished with 39 disposals and a goal for his best outing of the year.

Other notable inclusions could be champion on-baller Jack Steven who is dealing with issues outside of football and hopefully will be able to come back into the side.



Key Match-Ups

[IMG='width:651px;']https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/851/0*Y-l5EcLg5y6u8o2C.jpg[/IMG]

Max Gawn
After 55 hit-outs in Round 3, Max Gawn is clearly one player the Saints will need to keep an eye on on Saturday afternoon. Rowan Marshall has been in terrific form lately, and it must be said he did a good job to quell Hawthorn ruckman Ben McEvoy's influence, but this is a much bigger test for Marshall - Gawn is arguably the best ruckman in the game. If Preuss plays as well, like he did last weekend, it will make Rowan's job that much more difficult. If Marshall can nullify the influence from the middle the Saints will have a much better chance at coming away with the chocolates.

Clayton Oliver
St.Kilda's midfield brigade has been one of the positives in a strong start to the year, however players like Clayton Oliver always pose a threat. One would expect Jack Steele to take either Viney or Oliver. Oliver had 33 possessions on the weekend and was one of Melbourne's best, so you'd think Steele would be given the tagging role on the Demons star midfielder.



Tip

[IMG='width:651px;']https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/Media/Galleries/Matches/2019/AFL%202019%20Round%2004%20-%20St%20Kilda%20v%20Hawthorn/664448_gl.jpg[/IMG]


Not unlike last weekend, this one will be a really close contest. Melbourne haven't started the year the way they would've liked but nobody can dismiss the talent they have on their list and you only need to look at last year to see how much they have improved as a side. Sure, they haven't started well, but they were back to it last Thursday night and looked like the Melbourne we expected coming into the year.

St.Kilda have surprised many, and if they had kicked straighter against Fremantle they would be a game clear on top of the ladder after four rounds. It's been a remarkable effort by Alan Richardson's men, and I'm sure the playing group will be hell-bent on continuing their great form.

As for a tip? Again, very hard to predict, however given the form line of both sides, and the fact we beat Melbourne last time we played them at the MCG (I must say too that our record at the MCG is quite good) I think the Saints will continue their strong start to the year and just get over the line in this one. I don't underestimate the Demons at all, I think they are a very strong side, but we match-up well with them and we are playing some really good football at the moment.


Saints by 8 points.

Thoughts?​

 

[StCicatriz]

gotta get a win, to really instill some belief. so far we have played:
- GC 7th
- Essendon 5th
- Freo 10th
- Hawthorn 11th

now we come up against Melbourne 16th

now melbourne are not a 16th side, they're much much better than that and have found form recently. this will be our first really big test, given Melbourne were the highest placed side last year out of every side we have played to date, this season. they made a prelim.

it will also be our first test on the large MCG.

bank a win, we go 4-1. which puts us 1/3 of the way there to play finals.

 

[austinnn]

Ok, Demons...



...in about 11 hrs, prepare to be well and truly Parkered.

 

[Sir Skid]

______________________________________________________________


Preview
Melbourne v St.Kilda

St.Kilda overcame a 26 point third quarter deficit to overrun the Hawks in front of 36,000 fans at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

As for the Demons, they broke their run of poor form in a solid outing in Sydney last Thursday night, beating the Swans by a comfortable 22 points.


Let’s have a look at possible best 22s:

St.Kilda Best 22
B: Jimmy Webster, Nathan Brown, Shane Savage
HB: Callum Wilkie, Josh Battle, Jarryn Geary
C: Jack Sinclair, Sebastian Ross, Jack Newnes
HF: Jack Billings, Josh Bruce, Matthew Parker
F: Jack Lonie, Tim Membrey, Ben Long
Foll: Rowan Marshall, Jack Steele, Jade Gresham
I/C: Blake Acres, Hunter Clark, Nick Hind, Daniel McKenzie

Melbourne Best 22
B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Marty Hore
HB: Billy Stretch, Sam Frost, Nathan Jones
C: Jayden Hunt, Clayton Oliver, Christian Salem
HF: Bayley Fritsch, Braydon Preuss, Angus Brayshaw
F: Charlie Spargo, Tom McDonald, Jake Melksham
Foll: Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Jack Viney
I/C: James Harmes, Sam Weideman, Corey Wagner, Josh Wagner



Medical Room

[IMG='width:651px;']https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/Media/Galleries/Matches/2019/AFL%202019%20Round%2004%20-%20St%20Kilda%20v%20Hawthorn/664249_gl.jpg[/IMG]


For the Saints, tough defender Daniel McKenzie was concussed in the second term and was ruled out of the contest. Speedy forward Matthew Parker went into the rooms in the second term to have a leg issue looked at but he came back on to the field.

As for the Demons, It was a game filled with big – but fair – hits that left several players heading to the bench to recover. Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw hit the turf hard and needed assistance, but both played out the game. Big man Braydon Preuss had a knock to his shoulder but also returned. Coach Simon Goodwin said Oscar McDonald suffered a concussion while late withdrawals Neville Jetta and Jay Lockhart are expected to be right for this week.





Preview

[IMG='width:651px;']https://i.imgur.com/N2Hkvvu.jpg[/IMG]


St.Kilda have been one of the surprises so far this year, having beaten Gold Coast, Essendon and Hawthorn on their way to 3 wins - putting them in 5th spot at the end of Round 4 - only percentage off top spot. A resurgence from players like Jack Billings and Jade Gresham, and cameo performances from fan favourites Callum Wilkie & Matthew Parker has the Saints in a good position after the first month.

After trailing by as much as 26 points midway through the third term, the Saints found another gear, clawing their way back into the contest and taking the lead with less than 5 minutes to go from a Jack Lonie goal. It was a nail biting final few minutes, but the Saints found a way to hold on and continue their impressive start.

Once again the usual likes of Jack Billings & Seb Ross stood out for the home side, finishing with 34 and 39 disposals respectively. Ross, the stand-in skipper for the injured Jarryn Geary on the day, had one of his best performances for the Saints and was a deserved best on ground.



Other notable performances included Jack Lonie (17 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 goals), Jack Steele (27 disposals, 7 tackles), Blake Acres (26 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal) and Rowan Marshall (17 dispoals, 28 hit-outs and a goal).

And a special mention to first year player Callum Wilkie, who once again had a great performance for the Saints in defense, with 21 disposals but more importantly defensive efforts like these;



After losses to Port Adelaide, Geelong and Essendon, Melbourne were looking to get back on the winners list and get their season back on track as they flew to Sydney to face the Swans in what really was a must win clash for last years preliminary finalists.

They didn't disappoint, and after being challenged early the Demons kicked away to record their first win of the season, a hard earned 22 point victory which lifts them from the bottom of the ladder after four rounds.

Max Gawn & Clayton Oliver were tremendous again for the visitors. Gawn finishing the game with 19 disposals, 5 marks and a whopping 55 hit-outs to be adjudged the Demons best on ground. Oliver was instrumental in the middle as well, ending the night with 33 disposals and 7 marks.



Potential changes

[IMG='width:651px;']https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/Samples/605557-tlslargelandscape.jpg[/IMG]

Nick Hind once again staked his claim for an AFL debut after continuing his excellent form in the VFL - the speedy half back finished with 39 disposals and a goal for his best outing of the year.

Other notable inclusions could be champion on-baller Jack Steven who is dealing with issues outside of football and hopefully will be able to come back into the side.



Key Match-Ups

[IMG='width:651px;']https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/851/0*Y-l5EcLg5y6u8o2C.jpg[/IMG]

Max Gawn
After 55 hit-outs in Round 3, Max Gawn is clearly one player the Saints will need to keep an eye on on Saturday afternoon. Rowan Marshall has been in terrific form lately, and it must be said he did a good job to quell Hawthorn ruckman Ben McEvoy's influence, but this is a much bigger test for Marshall - Gawn is arguably the best ruckman in the game. If Preuss plays as well, like he did last weekend, it will make Rowan's job that much more difficult. If Marshall can nullify the influence from the middle the Saints will have a much better chance at coming away with the chocolates.

Clayton Oliver
St.Kilda's midfield brigade has been one of the positives in a strong start to the year, however players like Clayton Oliver always pose a threat. One would expect Jack Steele to take either Viney or Oliver. Oliver had 33 possessions on the weekend and was one of Melbourne's best, so you'd think Steele would be given the tagging role on the Demons star midfielder.



Tip

[IMG='width:651px;']https://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/Media/Galleries/Matches/2019/AFL%202019%20Round%2004%20-%20St%20Kilda%20v%20Hawthorn/664448_gl.jpg[/IMG]


Not unlike last weekend, this one will be a really close contest. Melbourne haven't started the year the way they would've liked but nobody can dismiss the talent they have on their list and you only need to look at last year to see how much they have improved as a side. Sure, they haven't started well, but they were back to it last Thursday night and looked like the Melbourne we expected coming into the year.

St.Kilda have surprised many, and if they had kicked straighter against Fremantle they would be a game clear on top of the ladder after four rounds. It's been a remarkable effort by Alan Richardson's men, and I'm sure the playing group will be hell-bent on continuing their great form.

As for a tip? Again, very hard to predict, however given the form line of both sides, and the fact we beat Melbourne last time we played them at the MCG (I must say too that our record at the MCG is quite good) I think the Saints will continue their strong start to the year and just get over the line in this one. I don't underestimate the Demons at all, I think they are a very strong side, but we match-up well with them and we are playing some really good football at the moment.


Saints by 8 points.

Thoughts?​

Another great write up, well done!

Expecting high pressure all day
Saints by 30 points

 

[plugger66]

Close game. Demons just unfortunately. Think the fitness issue will be levelled out by now. Obviously hope I’m wrong. I’m 2 and 2 at the moment. Hopefully below 50% after this game

 

[Cornish]

Hard fought game for 3 qtrs, then we blow them away in the last.

Saints by 26 points

 

[Mikka84]

For me, comes down to two players. Stop Gawn and Oliver’s influence and we win. Viney is their barometer and has been well below his best. I’d like that to continue. Hind a big chance to be a late inclusion as well.

 

[#gosaintas]

I reckon we get up and win. Saints too tough and well drilled for the fragile Dees.

 

[bennymc7]

If we win it will be hard fought and we'll run away late similar to the Essendon game

If they win they'll be 5 goals up at qtr time and hold us off imo

I'm confident

 

[Grav]

If I keep predicting us to win by 23pts. surely I’ll get it right once. So Saints by 23pts but .... if we kick straight that will blow out to 35pts.

 

[boulders]

For me, comes down to two players. Stop Gawn and Oliver’s influence and we win. Viney is their barometer and has been well below his best. I’d like that to continue. Hind a big chance to be a late inclusion as well.

Any idea who for?

 

[StFly]

Lookit that points against differential.

You'd be forgiven in thinking defense was a thing to consider, almost double.

As such, 10 goal win, drop those pants and lube up because any score will be a good score in a tri-colour jumper.

 

[Sully111]

Haven't been this pumped for a game in a while. If we can get over the dees today i feel like we're really on our way.

In recent years there's been a few games where we've outplayed them but lost due to butchering the ball. If we can bring the same intensity to the contest we've shown this year, and hit our targets with our field kicking, i think we're in good shape.

Go Saints!

 

[PoppedCorn]

Hind a big chance?

got any beans to spill or just an opinion mikka?

Got me a little excited ya bastard
saints to smash by 85 points

 

[Sab22]

Interesting game. Odd round too, it can go either way but I'll back us in. We have the runners to utilize the ground, we have a mobile and speedy forward line that Melbourne will struggle to combat if they hit scoreboard early. Our defense will hold up, newnes pushing back, we'll have be fine.

Its just the game can be only won in the midfield, yes they are more superior but we're inform. Steele to Oliver is critical and crucial, JB and Gresh gotta give the best chance for our forwards to mark. Smash them on the outside run, we'll win.

It'll be close.

 

[god_of_the_universe]

Let's not let another team get 5 goals in a row. We've played some great footy, but been let down by small passages of play that have hurt us dearly on the scoreboard.

 

[TheEnsign]

Big game. I wonder if the weather will be a factor - unseasonably warm, if we can run out the game well we should be a huge chance.

 

[triggering bro]

The change in our game plan & structure is so obviously brought over from Rats. We are playing a similar style to Hawthorn & even WC (Simpson worked under Clarko). Low risk coming out of our back 50 & focusing heavily on ball retention. Then working the footy through the middle & increasing risk by banging it long & relying on our talls to mark or create crumbs for our smalls.

Hawthorn had Rough & Gunstan (Bruce & Membrey) as their talls & Puopolo, Breust & Rioli (Long, Parker & Lonie) as their smalls. Obviously we lack the same quality however you can see we are picking similar types.

Even our defence with a lot of medium talls to add flexibility & rebound. Hawthorn had guys like Gibson, Stratton & Hodge playing tall & all are on the medium side. We have Wilkie, Webster & Battle. Brown is like our Frawley.

We’ve got a way to go but you can see the pillars are being built. Add some quality, existing players to continue to improve & we are heading towards finals. Maybe not this year but I think in the next 24 months. I always thought we were about 12-24 months behind the Dees but feel they have been choking on their cheese platter riddled bath water.

Saints by 30
Billings 30 & 2
Gresham 20 & 5
Acres 35 & 2 BOG

 

[Jade Buddha]

Defence again to be the difference
Saints by 9

 

[VDS66]

Wilkie to do a number on Petracca.

Saints by 7...

 

[bennymc7]

Remember last year?

"Enjoy your September holidays?"

F*** I hope we kill their top 4 chance today

 

[triggering bro]

Remember last year?

"Enjoy your September holidays?"

F*** I hope we kill their top 4 chance today

Beat them & they most likely miss finals. It would be extremely difficult to come back from 1-4 with a poor percentage. They would need to win 12 from their last 17 to be assured of finals. Tough task & too far to come back from IMO. Let’s kill their season.

 

[plugger66]

Beat them & they most likely miss finals. It would be extremely difficult to come back from 1-4 with a poor percentage. They would need to win 12 from their last 17 to be assured of finals. Tough task & too far to come back from IMO. Let’s kill their season.

Think 12 will get you in this season so a win by us has us only having to win 8 out of 17.

 

[gringo2011]

The change in our game plan & structure is so obviously brought over from Rats. We are playing a similar style to Hawthorn & even WC (Simpson worked under Clarko). Low risk coming out of our back 50 & focusing heavily on ball retention. Then working the footy through the middle & increasing risk by banging it long & relying on our talls to mark or create crumbs for our smalls.

Hawthorn had Rough & Gunstan (Bruce & Membrey) as their talls & Puopolo, Breust & Rioli (Long, Parker & Lonie) as their smalls. Obviously we lack the same quality however you can see we are picking similar types.

Even our defence with a lot of medium talls to add flexibility & rebound. Hawthorn had guys like Gibson, Stratton & Hodge playing tall & all are on the medium side. We have Wilkie, Webster & Battle. Brown is like our Frawley.

We’ve got a way to go but you can see the pillars are being built. Add some quality, existing players to continue to improve & we are heading towards finals. Maybe not this year but I think in the next 24 months. I always thought we were about 12-24 months behind the Dees but feel they have been choking on their cheese platter riddled bath water.

Saints by 30
Billings 30 & 2
Gresham 20 & 5
Acres 35 & 2 BOG

I still think on paper their list is probably easy top 4, that means nothing though. They apparently had 16 players who were recovering from off season surgery in round one. I think they have probably started late with that as a factor. I'm just hoping the soreness stays a bit longer. I think the Dees will do an Essendon at some point. That said we seem to love to play the Dees and think we should win today.

 

[triggering bro]

Think 12 will get you in this season so a win by us has us only having to win 8 out of 17.

12 with an okay percentage I think does. 12 with a sub 100% & it becomes tricky.

8/17 appears doable if we continue the form. Suddenly games against the Crows & even WC at Marvel aren’t so daunting. Our draw is very favourable.