Following yesterday’s fixture release, SAINTS.com.au has taken to the draw with a fine-tooth comb to pick out what to look forward to in 2017.

Round 1 vs Melbourne, March 25 – The Streak 

Potential first game in red, white and black for new recruits Jack Steele, Koby Stevens and Nathan Brown. It will also be a game 12 months in the making for Jake Carlisle, getting the chance to finally line up in defence with his WADA sanction ending in November.

St Kilda will look to continue a 14-game winning streak over Melbourne, dating back to Round 1, 2007. The Saints have a stranglehold over the Demons at Etihad Stadium, having won the last eight under the roof. However, Melbourne poses a much tougher challenge this time round, with Jordan Lewis, Michael Hibberd and Pat McKenna arriving during the trade period.

Round 7 vs GWS, May 5 – Friday Night Lights

Our return to the big stage, Friday night footy. Hosting the Giants at Etihad Stadium, St Kilda is back on Friday nights after a year’s absence, making four appearances in 2017. The contest will pit Jack Steele and Josh Bruce against their old side in what shapes as a Friday night slobber knocker.

For the Giants, it will be just their second ever game on a Friday night as last year’s preliminary finalists are rewarded with more exposure in the prime time slots. It will be the only clash between these two next season. 

Round 10 vs Western Bulldogs, May 27 – Taking on the Premiers

Every side uses games against the reigning premiers as measuring sticks, to see how they stack up against the best. St Kilda’s only crack at the Western Bulldogs comes right before our bye, looming to be the perfect momentum booster going into the second half of 2016. 

There have been some epic clashes between the two sides in recent years, including a gutsy 15-point win in Round 18 last season. Could potentially be the first game for Koby Stevens against his old club.

Round 16 vs Richmond, July 8 – Maddie’s Match 

The third instalment in what has become a special event on the footy calender. This year’s ‘Maddie’s Match’ goes back to its origins, with a Saturday night clash against Richmond at Etihad Stadium. Dedicated to the memory of Nick Riewoldt’s sister Maddie, the game raises money to find a cure for aplastic anaemia, which tragically claimed her life in 2015.

It was an enthralling finish to the first Maddie’s Match, with St Kilda storming home late to fall 16 agonizing points short of victory. While hotly contested on the field, off it the two sides come together for a worthy cause.

Round 19 vs Sydney, July 22 – Pride Game

After the success of last year’s inaugural Pride Game, both teams will meet to celebrate diversity at the SCG in the return leg. With the sense of belonging and everyone feeling welcome at the footy, the contest between the Saints and Swans will look to celebrate all that’s great about diversity.

After all, pride is the opposite of shame.

Possible milestones in 2017

Sam Gilbert – 200 games, Round 22 vs North Melbourne
Jarryn Geary – 150 games, Round 9 vs Sydney
Jack Steven – 150 games, Round 17 vs Essendon
Jack Newnes – 100 games, Round 9 vs Sydney
Tom Hickey – 50 St Kilda games, Round 1 vs Melbourne
Jack Billings – 50 games, Round 8 vs Carlton
Nathan Wright – 50 games, Round 21 vs Melbourne
Tim Membrey – 50 games, Round 21 vs Melbourne