Who will stop Josh Kennedy?

The Saints' backline will need to be at the top of their game to stop the high-powered Eagles forward line. West Coast is ranked second for points per game and leads the competition as the most accurate team in front of goal so far in 2015. 

Sharp-shooter Josh Kennedy has been a force this year, despite carrying on with ruptured tendons and ligaments in his right elbow. Kennedy has been fending off defenders across the league, outstretching his heavily wrapped arm and has insisting that he will continue to play through his injury until the pain becomes unbearable.

Last time St Kilda played the Eagles, Luke Delaney managed to hold Kennedy to 1.4, however this week the Saints will have to look to other tall options with Delaney out with a hip complaint.

Sam Fisher, Dylan Roberton, and Shaun Dempster will be working closely to limit any opportunity Kennedy gets to perform his infamous goal routine in front of the Saints faithful on Saturday afternoon.

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To tag, or not to tag Priddis?

It seems that winning one Brownlow medal wasn’t enough for Matt Priddis as his form so far suggests he has every chance of going back-to-back. Priddis is ranked equal third along side Saints star midfielder David Armitage for the AFLCA Champion award, both players leading the AFL for disposals and clearances.

Priddis has been instrumental in the Eagles winning five games this year. However the Saints cannot afford to put all their eggs in Priddis’ basket, with Shannon Hurn also in terrific form.  

The skipper had 25 possessions, took 12 marks and proved to be a vital attacking option from deep inside the Eagles defensive 50 against the Gold Coast last week.

How can the Saints use their home ground to their advantage?

St Kilda has played at Etihad Stadium three times this year. Narrow losses to GWS in round one and Essendon in round five, coupled with the famous comeback victory against the Bulldogs in round six, place the Saints in pretty good stead entering their fourth game at Etihad for 2015.

The roof and quick surface suits the Saints aggressive and daring game style which will focus on getting the ball down to spearhead combo Josh Bruce and Tom Hickey as quickly as possible.

This will be only the second time the Eagles play at Etihad Stadium this season, the first being their round one loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Currently the Eagles are ranked second in the League for disposal efficiency at a rate of 75.6 per cent while the Saints sit outside the eight with 71. Clean disposals will be harder to come by this week for Eagles however, and if the Saints can force a few turnovers they’ll be able to continue pushing for top spot in rebound 50’s, currently sitting second behind Port Adelaide. 

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