SUMMARY
While other teams around it on the ladder have stumbled, Hawthorn has won four straight games. The run of victories leaves the Hawks in prime position to land a top-four spot. If the contest plays true to form, Alastair Clarkson's side should win comfortably, with the Saints' midfield having let themselves down over the past fortnight. Foot skills have again been an issue while up forward, Tim Membrey and Jade Gresham need more support. Injuries to Paddy McCartin and Josh Bruce have weakened St Kilda's depth in attack. Shutting down Tom Mitchell is a conundrum every team has faced, and most have failed, such has been his excellent form. He's not the only Hawthorn onballer to be wary of, with Jaeger O'Meara and Shaun Burgoyne coming off important contributions in beating Geelong last Saturday, while James Worpel was excellent in that clash.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, August 18, 7.25PM AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the AFL's broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2018, Hawthorn 13.11 (89) d St Kilda 7.12 (54) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R6, 2017, St Kilda 19.16 (130) d Hawthorn 8.7 (55) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R4, 2016, Hawthorn 13.9 (87) d St Kilda 13.6 (84) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R10, 2015, Hawthorn 20.12 (132) d St Kilda 10.9 (69) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2014, Hawthorn 27.13 (175) d St Kilda 4.6 (30) at the MCG
Jack Steele and Jack Steven will prove pivotal for the Saints
THE SIX POINTS
1. Only 11 points separated the sides at the final break earlier this season before Hawthorn pulled away in the final term, kicking six goals to two. Tom Mitchell starred with 45 disposals and nine clearances.
2. The Hawks are ranked fifth for goals with a total of 266, while St Kilda is equal-15th, with 200.
3. Hawthorn has dominated the Saints recently, winning seven of the past eight matches.
4. These teams have played nine times at Etihad Stadium for four wins apiece, with one draw.
5. St Kilda is ranked last for contested possessions per game, at 135.1. Hawthorn is ranked No.12 in that stat, at 142.1.
6. Saints onballer Jack Steele has put in a career-best season and that improvement has shown in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, with his ranking going up from No.177 at the start of the season to No.73 going into round 22.
Triple St Kilda best and fairest Jack Steven has been quiet over the past fortnight, with coach Alan Richardson saying his star onballer had been trying too hard to fix the side's midfield woes. If the Saints are to rectify their poor form, Steven will likely be at the forefront of that effort.
