Following a heavy defeat at the hands of the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda will be looking to bounce back in a big way against North Melbourne this Saturday.

The stage is set in an awfully familiar way to last year for both sides, as the Saints and the Roos will do battle in front of an empty Marvel Stadium.

Similar to last year before the season was put on hiatus, there will be no crowds attending this clash due to the new COVID-19 restrictions in Melbourne.

However, the stakes for both sides remain the same, with Sir Doug Nicholls Round offering the Saints and the Roos a chance to get back onto the winner’s list.

Key storylines:

Déjà vu against the Roos

Like last year against North Melbourne, the contest will be played in front of no crowds due to the the current restrictions in Victoria.

It is a weird sense of déjà vu for both sides, as not only will they be playing in front of an empty Marvel Stadium again, but they both will be heading into this match with a point to prove.

For the Saints, a big response is needed after a 111-point loss to the Dogs last Saturday night, and to find their way back onto the winner's list, while North Melbourne will be keen to taste victory again after knocking off the Hawks a fortnight ago.

Debuting defender

After waiting in the wings for three years, Oscar Clavarino will finally get his chance at the AFL level.

The 22-year-old has been in solid form in the VFL, and is one of five changes to the side this week, alongside Luke Dunstan, Tom Highmore, Mason Wood and Nick Coffield.

Clavarino was taken with pick 35 in the 2017 draft and has had to overcome a number of injuries throughout his young career but will finally get a chance to don the red, white and black against the Roos.

Ryder vs Goldstein

An intriguing contest in the ruck awaits on Saturday, with Paddy Ryder set to do battle with North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein.

Both Ryder and Goldstein are two of the premier ruckmen in the competition and are integral to their side winning first use of the footy in the midfield.

The North Melbourne big man is currently sitting at number one amongst current rucks for most hit-outs to advantage during his career, while Ryder sits at fifth

However, this season the 33-year-old Ryder is currently averaging 35 hit-outs per game and 12 hit-outs to advantage per game, while Goldstein is averaging 24 hit-outs and seven hit-outs to advantage per game.

However, Goldstein won the bragging rights the last time the two sides met, as he helped the Roos to a round one win after collecting 27 hit-outs, 14 disposals and a goal.

Teams

The Saints will take on North Melbourne this Saturday with five new faces from the side that took on the Bulldogs a week prior.

Oscar Clavarino will make his debut after close to four years at the club, while Luke Dunstan, Tom Highmore, Mason Wood and Nick Coffield have all been recalled after strong form for Sandringham.

Jack Lonie, Ben Long, Jack Bytel and Paul Hunter have all been named as emergencies.

Hunter Clark, James Frawley and Shaun McKernan will miss this week’s game due to injury.

On the radar

Since his return in round 3, North Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington has certainly made his presence felt.

The Kangaroos veteran has not had less than 20 disposals per game this season, averaging 27 touches per game, and is proving pivotal to David Noble’s midfield.

The last time Cunnington came up against the Saints, he was instrumental in leading his side to a two-point victory, picking up 25 disposals and slotting two majors.

St Kilda will certainly be keeping an eye on the 29-year-old and will look to minimise his impact on the game.

Keep an eye

Luke Dunstan’s last month of VFL footy has been a fruitful one, and that form has now been rewarded with selection against North Melbourne.

The midfield bull has booted eight goals inside four games, and has racked up figures of 46, 36, 35 and 29 disposals each game.

The Saints No. 7 will be keen to continue his good run of form on Saturday, and help his side get back onto the winner’s list

Last time we met

It was a close contest at Marvel Stadium in the opening round of 2020 before the COVID-19 lockdown forced the season to a halt.

The game would also be the debut of young Max King, with the exciting tall forward kicking two majors in his first AFL game.

However, it wasn't to be for St Kilda as the Kangaroos booted six goals in the second half to secure a round one victory.