SUMMARY
The Saints have the scope to play a variety of draftees and rookies this week, and will be intent of getting their season off to a good start in front of their home crowd. The Giants have a few boom recruits including Ryan Griffen and Joel Patfull, with the former impressing in the two NAB Challenge games he played in and the latter with his composure and leadership in defence. Key forward Jeremy Cameron is also in good nick, having slotted five goals against the Sydney Swans in the final round of pre-season games.
FEATURE: Year two of the Richardson era
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday April 5, 1.10pm AEST
TV, RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
RELATED: 2015 season preview
LAST THREE TIMES
R2, 2014, St Kilda 15.5 (95) d GWS 13.10 (88) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2013, St Kilda 21.14 (140) d GWS 10.8 (68) at StarTrack Oval
R22, 2012, St Kilda 25.13 (163) d GWS 5.5 (35) at Etihad Stadium
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THE SIX POINTS
1. Nick Riewoldt will be a handy inclusion if he decides to play, based on his last outing against the Giants where he kicked five goals and took 14 marks.
2. Devon Smith was the devastating one for the Giants on that day, also with five goals plus 22 disposals.
3. The two teams have only met in three games but the Saints have claimed them all, with an average winning margin of 69 points.
4. However, it was a tough 2014 for the Saints at their home ground. They lost eight of 12 games at Etihad Stadium last season while the Giants won their last encounter there, which was against the Western Bulldogs in round 23.
5. The Giants won their most games interstate in their three-year history in the AFL last season. That featured three wins from 13 games, including two from five in Melbourne.
6. Whatever big man structure the Saints go with faces a challenge. Giants ruckman Shane Mumford averaged 36 hit-outs a game last season; well ahead of Billy Longer, who had 25.8.
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IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jack Steven. There'll be bigger midfield responsibility for Steven this year and that will start this week with Leigh Montagna only rated a chance to play. He's also just signed a five-year deal and will be keen to justify the long-term contract that removed him from the clutches of rivals as a free agent with a strong start to the season.
