Can the Saints break their losing streak against the Pies?

Collingwood has had the wood over St Kilda in recent history, wining all six contests between the sides since the drawn 2010 Grand Final. During that period Collingwood have been heavy flag contenders, playing in seven finals matches, including two Preliminary Finals and the 2011 AFL Grand Final. St Kilda’s youth policy on the other hand has seen them on the bottom of the table, but as the Pies slide further down the ladder and the Saints inch themselves back up, expect competitiveness to spark once again amidst a tight matchup between the drawn Grand Finalists of 2010.

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How far away is Paddy McCartin from cracking into the side?

The number one draft pick is quickly making a name for himself in the VFL as Sandringham’s bullish number one forward. He kicked 4.3 as the Zebras’ main target last Saturday and continues to tick all the boxes following a promising pre-season campaign.

Earning a spot in the St Kilda forward line however, is becoming increasingly difficult. The Saints forward line alone has amassed 20 goals in the opening rounds, priding itself on grunt tackling and gut running pressure. Josh Bruce has been outstanding and Tim Membrey has been a solid target, working harmoniously with Jack Lonie, Jack Billings and Ahmed Saad.

Danny Sexton and Leigh Montagna highlighted the Saints’ work rate up forward, during last Saturday night’s victory, in this week’s edition of The Engine Room. (Watch video above)

As hype continues to build, it has become very easy to forget that McCartin is only celebrating his 19th birthday this weekend. Despite being named as the emergency for tonight’s match at the MCG, Saints fans and the football world must not forget the words of Alan Richardson earlier this year “Paddy’s here for a career, he’s not here for one game.”

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Who will stop Pendlebury?

In round 11, 2014 Maverick Weller lined up against Scott Pendlebury to start the match. He didn’t tag the Collingwood skipper for very long however, copping an unchecked elbow from Steel Sidebottom in the first play of the game which forced him off the ground with a concussion.

Last week Weller played on Dion Prestia while Jarryn Geary went to Gary Ablett. Both of the Saints’ midfield stoppers will play on Pendlebury at different stages throughout the night, but with Sidebottom watching from the stands this week, expect Weller to play a full game and expect him to nullify the influence of the decorated Collingwood skipper.

Is this Armitage’s year?

David Armitage has been a solid improver since arriving at the club via the 2006 National Draft. With limited opportunity early in his career, he had to fight his way into the side and while he become a solid performer in the centre, he never the set the world on fire.

This year the 26 year old was challenged by coach Alan Richardson to take on greater responsibility and early signs are showing positive returns. Armitage has trimmed down and looks leaner than ever, leading the Saints in their 28-point win over the Gold Coast. He gathered a career best 36 touches last week and was crucial as the number one clearance and stoppage player for St Kilda.

Who will win the battle of the midfield?

Last time they met the midfield brigade of Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Josh Thomas proved too much for the young Saints. Injuries and off-season movements however have Collingwood fielding a very different team this time around, with three of the four aforementioned Pies out of the side.

Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and new Recruit Travis Varcoe will be the major players this Friday night while the improving Saints midfield remains largely unchanged.

The Pies were dominated by the Crows last week, outshined in almost every statistic. The Saints on the other hand were the dominators, outplaying the Suns most notably in tackles, disposals and inside 50s. Riding on the confidence gained from last week, David Armitage, Luke Dunstan, Jack Steven and Jack Newnes (in his 50th game for the club) will be well placed to push the Pies to the line.

Did Nathan Wright do enough to avoid the vest this week?

Nathan Wright was the late inclusion for Adam Schneider, starting as the sub, on Saturday against the Gold Coast. The lively half-back flanker imposed himself on the game during the third quarter after replacing the concussed Ahmed Saad.

The explosive backman registered 12 disposals, including six marks and gave himself every opportunity to elude the vest with a lively performance rebounding out of back half.