Preview: Saints v SUNS
The Saints will be very keen to turn the tables on the SUNS and chalk up their fourth win of the season.
SUMMARY
St Kilda (3-17) produced some of the better football of its forgettable season in round 21, pushing the Sydney Swans through the first half before being overpowered by the reigning premiers at the SCG. Developing their youth is now the Saints' key focus, and big jobs will be handed to young players against Gold Coast. The Suns (7-13) rallied late against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium last week, but eventually fell 17 points short. Like St Kilda, exposing its young talent will be a key focus for Gold Coast in the final two rounds.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday August 25, 1.10pm
LAST FOUR TIMES
R1, 2013, Gold Coast 13.12 (90) d St Kilda 10.17 (77) at Metricon Stadium
R11, 2012, St Kilda 21.18 (144) d Gold Coast 7.7 (49) at Metricon Stadium
R2, 2012, St Kilda 21.13 (139) d Gold Coast 7.5 (47) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2011, St Kilda 10.14 (74) d Gold Coast 6.18 (54) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Gold Coast defeated St Kilda in round one at Metricon Stadium, winning by 13 points after the Saints led at three-quarter time by nine points.
2. Gary Ablett starred for the Suns with 34 possessions and four goals while Jarryn Geary was the Saints best with 28 possessions.
3. Gold Coast will be searching for its first victory at Etihad Stadium following five defeats.
4. Elevated rookie Tom Curren is offering St Kilda another run-with option in its midfield, holding Sydney Swans star Dan Hannebery to 16 possessions last week. He played on Hawthorn star Sam Mitchell one round prior and has won 20 possessions in each of his last two games.
5. St Kilda is averaging 76 points per game this season, with only GWS and Melbourne scoring less. If the Saints finish the season this way it will be the first time since 1988 they have averaged less than 80 points per game.
6. Gary Ablett enjoys an impressive record against St Kilda, kicking 24 goals in 19 games. Ranked No.1 all season in the
Official AFL Player Ratings, he has played in 10 winning teams against the Saints and polled seven Brownlow votes.