St Kilda and the Bulldogs are both coming off interstate losses, the Saints to Adelaide and the Dogs to the Gold Coast.

Both sides haven't scored as heavily as they would have liked in the first eight rounds of the year, ranked in the bottom five in the AFL for total points scored.

Most points scored in first eight rounds of 2013:

The Saints have taken more marks than most this season, led in this category by Nick Riewoldt and Sam Fisher. The Western Bulldogs have been less prolific aerially, with midfielder Daniel Cross leading the club for marks.

Most average marks in 2013 (team):

Most marks in 2013 (individual):

St Kilda has been defensively solid at stoppages this year, conceding 26.5 points per game compared to the Western Bulldogs 41.4 points from ball-ups and throw-ins.

Central to the Saints midfield excellence is Jack Steven, the up-and-coming ball-winner ranked in the top 20 players in the league for clearances.

Bulldogs youngster Tom Liberatore is ranked equal second in the league for takeaways, dominating this aspect of the game in the absence of Matthew Boyd in recent weeks.

Most clearances in the AFL this season:

St Kilda has defeated the Bulldogs in its last eight encounters by an average winning margin of 34.5 points.

In three out of the last four home and away matches between the two teams, Lenny Hayes has polled two or more Brownlow votes. His absence this Saturday afternoon will present another opportunity for the likes of Steven, Ross and Newnes to step up in the midfield.

Jack Steven's improvement as a ball-winner:

Historically, St Kilda will need to monitor Bulldogs skipper Matthew Boyd, while Leigh Montagna looms as one of the primary threat for Brendon McCartney's men.
Boyd in particular has been prolific, amassing 39 disposals in two of his last three matches against the Saints.

 Highest average disposals in last five St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs games:

Nick Riewoldt has booted more goals against the Western Bulldogs than against any other club aside from Essendon. The Saints skipper has also kicked 328 goals at Etihad Stadium, second only to teammate Stephen Milne. Both forwards will be crucial players this Saturday evening.

You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32