Sunday August 31, 3.20pm AEST
Adelaide Oval
Channel 7
Overview:
St Kilda has an opportunity to dramatically impact the composition of the final eight this Sunday and send Lenny Hayes off into retirement in the right fashion.
Yet it will be no easy task for Alan Richardson’s men, who have been decimated by injuries in recent weeks and haven’t won a game since their stirring round 18 victory over Fremantle.
That 58-point upset came after Hayes announced his retirement, and it will be interesting to see whether the Saints can raise the bar one last time for their champion midfielder.
Yet it will be no easy task, with the Adelaide Crows on the cusp of September action and boasting a very good recent record over St Kilda.
David Armitage’s form has been superb for the Saints over the last two months, but he will have his hands full attempting to quell the likes of Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson and Rory Sloane on their home turf.
This time last year the Saints ended the season in the best way possible for three stalwarts of the club – St Kilda members will be hoping for something similar on Sunday.
Did you know?
Lenny Hayes is just eight tackles away from breaking Jude Bolton’s record for most tackles in an AFL career.
RELATED: Hey Jude, Lenny's coming for you
Thanks to helpmechoose.com.au for the stats board.
St Kilda:
Arryn Siposs (Shoulder) - Season
Jack Billings (Hamstring) - Season
Josh Bruce (Shin) - Season
Tom Lee (Shoulder) - Season
Daniel Markworth (Hamstring) - Season
Eli Templeton (Arm) - Season
Beau Maister (Shoulder) - Season
Jimmy Webster (Foot) - Season
Tom Hickey (Knee) - Season
Luke Dunstan (Shoulder) - Season
Blake Acres (Quad) - Season
Jarryn Geary (Calf) - Season
Sam Gilbert (Foot) - Season
RELATED: Gilbert to miss final game
Adelaide:
David Mackay (Concussion) - Test
Rory Laird (Concussion) - Test
Sam Shaw (Hamstring) - Test
Nathan van Berlo (Achilles) - TBA
Andy Otten (Knee) - Season
Tom Lynch (Neck) - Season
Kyle Hartigan (Spleen) - Season
Last round:
St Kilda 10.12 (72) defeated by Richmond 15.8 (98)
Adelaide 13.16 (94) defeated by North Melbourne 14.17 (101)
MATCH REPORT: St Kilda vs Richmond
Running hot:
St Kilda: David Armitage
The strong-bodied ball-winner has taken another step up in 2014, shrugging off a leg injury in round four to become one of the club’s most consistent contributors in recent weeks.
He hasn’t collected fewer than 20 disposals in a game for over two months, and his 26 touches against the Tigers last weekend included a goal and five inside 50s.
RELATED: Armo leading the next wave
Adelaide: Richard Douglas
One of Adelaide’s most underrated players, Douglas has enjoyed an excellent season. Consistency and clearances are his hallmark, and last weekend he registered 10 clearances in amongst 27 disposals.
Watch out for:
St Kilda: Lenny Hayes
The 34-year-old’s farewell tour will come to an end this Sunday against the Crows.
While his form has been slightly down in recent weeks, Adelaide will be wary of his ability to extract everything from his body when it matters most, and as this is just another match for Hayes, the reality is that it will mean slightly more to him and his teammates.
Click HERE for all the latest Lenny Hayes news.
Adelaide: Rory Sloane
Sloane will be keen to celebrate his 100th game in style on Sunday.
He’s been unusually quiet over the last two weeks, collecting just 19 disposals against Richmond and 17 versus North Melbourne. But if he puts in a performance like he did in round four against the Saints, it will go a long way towards Adelaide winning.
Last time they met:
Round 4, 2014 at Etihad Stadium
St Kilda 7.8 (50) defeated Adelaide 20.16 (136)
Disposals: Hayes (24), Thompson (32)
Goals: Riewoldt (2), Jenkins (4)
MATCH REPORT: Saints fall to polished Crows
