Winning season on the line on Sunday

For the first time since 2012, St Kilda has the opportunity to post a winning season. If they add Brisbane to their list of 2016 wins on Sunday, the Saints will finish on 12-10, potentially on the same amount of wins as North Melbourne, who will play in September due to their superior percentage. Since that ill-fated trip to Adelaide in Round 11, St Kilda has constructed the best patch of Alan Richardson’s tenure, winning seven of the last 10 games, including stunning victories over Geelong, Western Bulldogs and Carlton – on two occasions. And after a slow start to the year at Etihad Stadium, St Kilda has won seven of their past nine games to make the fast track at Docklands somewhat of a fortress in 2016. It’s been a year of progress at Linen House Centre; Sunday should be the full stop St Kilda needs.

The time is right for White

St Kilda will open the curtains and unveil a third debutant on Sunday afternoon, with Alan Richardson unable to ignore the form of first-year defender, Brandon White, any longer. Taken with pick No. 40 in last November’s National Draft, White has been on the cusp of senior selection for a little while now, with his potent left foot cutting opposition sides apart at VFL level. The Dandenong Stingrays product has played across half-back and on a wing at Sandringham this season, where he has been named in Paul Hudson’s best players on seven occasions from 13 starts. The 19-year-old was one of the senior emergencies last weekend against Richmond, warming up with the team before putting his tracksuit back on and watching from the grandstand. The following day he went out and put in a best on ground performance for the Zebras. Now, eight days later, White will become the third debutant this year, joining Jade Gresham and Lewis Pierce.

Join the players and coaches at the 2016 best and fairest and celebrate an exciting season

Life membership for Armitage

At Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, David Armitage becomes just the 55th player in the clubs history to play 150 games in the famous red, white and black. In the process, the 2006 No. 9 pick will earn life membership with St Kilda. While Armitage hasn’t quite reached the stellar heights he hit in his career-best season last year, he has continued to lead the way at the Saints with his physicality in the contest and his ball winning ability. Along with reigning Trevor Barker Award winner, Jack Steven, he leads the way for tackles (5.8 per game) at the club and is second for contested possessions (9.5) and clearances (4.5) – behind Steven on both those measurements. Unlike in recent seasons, St Kilda hasn’t relied on Armitage and Steven, or Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna, to win games of football. Now, Armitage is part of a much deeper midfield that works as part of well-oiled machine.

How important will Sunday’s game be come Trevor Barker night?

In a year where the best and fairest could go down to the wire, with different players producing standout patches at different stages, Sunday’s game against Brisbane could be an important one come Trevor Barker Award night. Reigning champion Jack Steven has been brilliant again this season, but he has been quiet by his lofty standards across the last month. In that time, younger midfielders Seb Ross and Jack Newnes have flourished. Veterans Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna are firmly in the conversation. As are two genuine servicemen in Jarryn Geary and Maverick Weller, who play crucial roles, yet don’t receive the plaudits they deserve outside the four walls of the football club. Tom Hickey now won’t play the final two games of the season due to injury and then there is the consistent David Armitage. Safe to say, the best and fairest could go one of many ways come next Thursday, ensuring there is just a little more on the line on Sunday.

Opportunity presents for Membrey and co

Eager to finish the year off with a bang, Sunday provides a mouth-watering opportunity for St Kilda’s bevy of key forwards. Brisbane is ranked No. 18 for points against (129.1), inside 50 differential (-16.1) and time in forward half (-10:08) this season. While Paddy McCartin won’t be out there, Tim Membrey will be keen to finish off his breakout season with some more goals. Since coming back into the side in Round 6, Membrey has emerged as one of the most dangerous medium-sized forwards in the competition. He has kicked 42.18 from 16 games at an average of 2.6 goals per game (No. 7 in the AFL). Last year’s leading goal kicker, Josh Bruce, has 35 majors not to his name, but he has Nick Riewoldt breathing down his neck on 32. Further behind the keys, is Mav Weller who has not only been the benchmark for defensive forward pressure, but has also hit the scoreboard with 24.19. 

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