Monday’s game between St Kilda and Carlton will have an assortment of the competition’s best small forwards. Eddie Betts, Jeff Garlett, Chris Yarran, Stephen Milne, Ahmed Saad and Terry Milera have all played significant roles for their respective teams this year.
Carlton prefer its forwards to push high up the ground and then double-back towards goal, whereas St Kilda favours one or two high-marking forwards, with the above goal-sneaks at their feet roving the contest.
Carlton and St Kilda small forward total goals 2013:
| J. Garlett | 15 |
| C. Yarran | 13 |
| E. Betts | 7 |
| A.Saad | 7 |
| S. Milne | 7 |
| T. Milera | 5 |
Of course the above table doesn’t take into account the substantial influence Nick Riewoldt is having on games this season. The Saints skipper has booted 18 goals this year and taken 61 marks, more grabs than any other player in the AFL.
Most marks in the AFL this season:
| 61 |
| 57 |
| 49 |
| 48 |
| 47 |
Riewoldt is also leading the AFL for contested marks and ranked third in the league for marks inside 50s, illustrating his supreme aerial dominance in the first six weeks of the season.
While the forward battle promises to be an intriguing one, the midfield contest looms even larger in the context of the game.
Saints ball-winner Leigh Montagna is enjoying another stellar season in the engine room, while Carlton’s Marc Murphy has collected 26 or more disposals in each of his last five games this year.
Despite a reasonably successful recent record against the Blues, no St Kilda player has managed to collect 30 or more disposals versus Carlton since June 2009.
Highest average disposals in last five St Kilda vs Carlton matches (minimum 3 games):
| 1. C.Judd | 26 |
| 2. H.Scotland | 24.4 |
| 3. F.Ray | 24 |
| 4. L.Montagna | 22.6 |
Carlton on-baller Brock Mclean amassed 39 possessions when these two teams last met in August 2012, and over the course of his 125-game career Mclean has registered more clearances and tackles against St Kilda than any other team.
Brock Mclean’s record against St Kilda:
| Highest disposals | 39 (Round 23, 2010) |
| Average disposals | 18.9 (10 games) |
| Wins/losses | 3 wins, 7 losses |
| Tackles | 4.7 per game |
| Inside 50s | 4 per game |
While the likes of Mclean, Murphy, Gibbs and Judd are proven ball-winners for the Blues, a player who is enjoying his change of role this year is Andrew Walker. The forward-turned-defender is ranked fifth in the AFL for total kicks and fourth for rebound 50s.
For St Kilda, Jarryn Geary is performing a similar role in the back half, ranked seventh in the AFL for total bounces and fourth at the Saints for total marks.
Most running bounces in the AFL:
| 5. N.Malceski | 16 |
| 5. P.Hanley | 16 |
| 7. G.Birchall | 13 |
| 7. J.Geary | 13 |
| 7. A.Walker | 13 |
Stephen Milne has booted three or more goals in three of his last five games against Carlton. The Saints veteran has also kicked more majors against the Blues than against any other club, plus more goals at Etihad Stadium than any other player.
Clubs which Stephen Milne turns it on against:
| Carlton | 48 goals (17 games) |
| Collingwood | 44 goals (22 games) |
| Adelaide | 40 goals (15 games) |
| Richmond | 39 goals (18 games) |
| Brisbane | 38 goals (14 games) |
Most AFL goals at Etihad Stadium
| 1. S.Milne | 339 |
| 2. N.Riewoldt | 325 |
| 3. M.Lloyd | 299 |
| 4. B.Johnson | 248 |
| 5. F.Gehrig | 237 |
In racing terms, Etihad Stadium is a fast track. The indoor stadium promotes high scoring and quick ball movement, ideal for teams with a host of elusive small forwards. The two St Kilda vs Carlton games played in 2012 exemplified this fact, with the Saints prevailing on both occasions in high scoring shootouts.
Given the speed both sides possess forward of centre, expect an enthralling contest on Monday evening.
You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32
