There is plenty on the line at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, but first and foremost St Kilda must stop the in-form team in the competition in the Sydney Swans, says Saints Coach Alan Richardson.
John Longmire’s side sits in second position, just one game below reigning premiers Hawthorn with three games to play. Sydney has won four of their last five games, including resounding victories in the last fortnight over Port Adelaide (63-points) and Fremantle (90-points).
Richardson admits the Saints are looking forward to the challenge Sydney presents all over the ground. They are ranked No. 1 for points against (66.6-points), possess arguably the deepest midfield in the game and have a forward line built around three-time Coleman medallist Lance Franklin.
“The guys are excited by the opportunity. We’re in reasonable form, we’ve been that way for near on two months now and Sydney at the minute are probably as strong a challenge as anyone in the competition,” Richardson told reporters at a press conference on Friday.
“They play really aggressive footy; they have an outstanding midfield; they are incredibly talented in front of the ball; they are really hard to score against when you do get opportunities. So many challenges with respect to your own method of play. But our guys are really looking forward to it.”
On the eve of Round 21, St Kilda currently sits two games adrift of eighth placed North Melbourne. But with the Kangaroos facing Hawthorn earlier in the day, St Kilda could reduce the gap by Saturday night.
Richardson says the Saints have become accustomed to the external buzz in recent weeks, and won’t be distracted by the tantalising prospect of qualifying for September.
“We probably will, but we can’t control any of that. We can only control the way we play and we’re really looking forward to embracing the challenge,” Richardson said.
“A few weeks back there was a similar situation pre the Bulldogs game, there wasn’t a lot of noise form our perspective it was just about continuing to control what we can control and that’s our game and our footy. Things won’t change from the perspective.”
St Kilda recalled key forward Paddy McCartin on Thursday night, with the 2014 No. 1 pick coming in for injured midfielder Luke Dunstan who suffered a shoulder dislocation last Sunday which will require surgery.
