St Kilda has the chance to test itself against the competition’s best when they travel to Perth to face the Eagles on Saturday night.
Adam Simpson’s men are in formidable form and will be searching for their 10th consecutive win when they host the Saints at Optus Stadium.
Since losing to a Buddy Franklin-inspired Sydney in Round 1, the Eagles have transformed their home ground into one of the most intimidating fortresses in the country.
Victories over Geelong and Port Adelaide were telling, but it was their 47-point thrashing of Richmond that put the rest of the competition on notice.
West Coast’s second quarters have been pivotal, where they have conceded just 19 goals in 10 games this season.
While Jeremy McGovern remains the cornerstone of their defence, it’s been the likes of Shannon Hurn, Tom Barrass and Brad Sheppard who have led the way, with each defender averaging six intercept marks per match.
Equally threatening is the Eagles’ forward firepower, which will be the Saints’ toughest challenge given their relatively undersized defence and the blistering form of twin towers Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.
The latter has had a sublime season so far, with 28 goals placing him second in the Coleman Medal race, while his counterpart in Kennedy has booted 21 majors in 2018.
With big men Nathan Brown and Jake Carlisle set to miss through injury and suspension respectively, much of the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of young defender Logan Austin, who impressed against the Tigers last week, and the ever-reliable Jimmy Webster.
Gresham's boots honour heritage
Despite the obvious dangers at both ends of the ground, Alan Richardson’s biggest priority will be curtailing the influence of West Coast’s midfield.
Elliot Yeo, Andrew Gaff and Jack Redden are in menacing form as gun Luke Shuey returns from injury.
Historically known for his outside run, Gaff has proven himself the equal of any midfielder in the competition this year.
The 25-year-old free agent will be shooting for his seventh 30+ possession game of the season when he lines up against the Saints.
St Kilda midfield duo Jack Steven and Seb Ross were prolific against the Tigers and will need to be at the top of their game to win the battle in the centre.
Optus Stadium is familiar territory for Richardson’s side after falling short to the Dockers in Round 8.
Improved efforts against Collingwood and Richmond followed, but the Saints will need to find another gear to bring down the Eagles.
