After improving their form on the road in 2017, St Kilda will be determined to continue that improvement in 2018 to help them leap back onto the finals stage for the first time since 2011.
Following Tuesday’s fixture announcement, the Saints will play six interstate games next season, including a run of four in the space of eight games ahead of the mid-season bye.
St Kilda turned the corner during the winter, ending a 10-game losing streak outside the Victorian border when they not only ended their own
A couple of months later, St Kilda won an arm wrestle against Fremantle at Domain Stadium. And then had their hearts broken in the dying seconds by Port Adelaide superstar Robbie Gray. It was an improvement on recent years, but more will be needed next season.
Port Adelaide midfielder Robbie Gray kicked a goal with 15 seconds left to snatch victory in Round 19.
Alan Richardson’s men will make their first trip of 2018 for the Round 6 clash against Hawthorn at University of Tasmania Stadium, returning to the venue where they comprehensively beat the Hawks by 75-points last season.
St Kilda will then venture to the brand new Perth Stadium for the first time in Round 8 where they face Fremantle, before returning to meet West Coast in Round 11.
After not playing at Metricon Stadium or Spotless Stadium last season, the Saints will return to both venues in 2018 to meet the games two expansion teams.
In between the two fixtures against Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney lies Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, where two goals in the last two minutes broke St Kilda’s hearts last season.
If the Saints are going to feature in the most important month of the season, they are going to have to win at least half of their games away from home, and maybe even more.
Saints star Jack Steven won the
2018 Interstate Fixtures:
Round 6 v Hawthorn at University of Tasmania Stadium on Saturday, April 28
Last time we met: Round 6, 2017 – St Kilda 19.16 (130) def Hawthorn 8.7 (55) at University of Tasmania Stadium
Round 8 v Fremantle at Perth Stadium on Saturday, May 12
Last time we met: Round 15, 2017 – St Kilda 12.17 (89) def Fremantle 12.8 (80) at Domain Stadium
Round 11 v West Coast at Perth Stadium on Saturday, June 2
Last time we met: Round 20, 2017 – St Kilda 15.13 (103) def West Coast 14.11 (95)
Round 13 v Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, June 16
Last time we met: Round 14, 2017 – St Kilda 14.19 (103) def Gold Coast 10.12 (72) at Etihad Stadium
Round 16 v Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, July 7
Last time we met: Round 19, 2017 – Port Adelaide 9.9 (63) def St Kilda 8.13 (61) at Adelaide Oval
Round 19 v Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium on Saturday, July 28
Last time we met: Round 7, 2017 – St Kilda 16.12 (108) def Greater Western Sydney 12.13 (85) at Etihad Stadium
