SYDNEY hosts St Kilda at the SCG this afternoon, in what is one of the most anticipated games of the round.

Here are the things to look out for, including some important stats that may prove pivotal in today’s result:

Their last encounter



The last time these two sides met was back in round 9, the scene of cult hero Lenny Hayes’ 250th game. That afternoon the Saints proved they are finals contenders with a decisive 28 point win over the Swans.

Since that encounter, Sydney has gone undefeated, having won their last six games, the hottest current streak of any side in the competition.

Return of Goddard and Steven



Brendon Goddard and Jack Steven have completed their AFL imposed and club sanctions respectively, and will return to the side this weekend.

The Saints will be pleased with the return of their two key midfielders, especially the skilful Goddard, who leads the Saints with kicks this season, averaging almost 15 a game.

Contested possessions win games, and with the Swans ranked second in the competition (St Kilda ranked 14th), the Saints will need to be at their very best to control the many potential in close contests at the AFL smallest venue, the SCG.

Battle of the mids



St Kilda’s midfield of Dal Santo, Montagna and Hayes has been exceptional in the Saints recent wins, but face a tough challenge on Sunday.

Ball magnet Josh Kennedy will provide the grunt inside for the Swans, averaging over 15 contested possessions a game, ranked third in the competition. Hayes leads the Saints in that category with an average of just under 12, ranked 22nd in the comp.

No one plays the SCG better that the Swans, who love the in-tight game it creates. The Saints however, have a few that don’t mind a bit of bash and crash as well, with Hayes, Clint Jones and David Armitage not afraid to get their head over the footy.

St Kilda will look to utilise it’s impressive ball movement of the past month to work their way around the full ground pressure that Sydney will likely dish up. The Swans are ranked first for forcing opposition turnovers, and excel in mounting pressure on their opponent.

On the flipside, the Swans will need to be mindful of the Saints dangerous running game, ranked first in the competition for running bounces.

The Rat Packs



St Kilda’s forward line has been exceptional in recent weeks, led by their impressive array of small forwards. Veteran Stephen Milne in particular appearing to get better with age.

“He’s probably the leader of that little Rat Pack; the small forward brigade. They seem to hang together. I know that Ahmed Saad in particular hangs off every word that he says. His leadership has been terrific,” Scott Watters told SEN on Tuesday morning.

“Adam Schneider has been terrific in that area as well. We’ve got 4 or 5 that are feeding off each other which is great.”

The Saints will be hoping Milne, Saad and wily veteran Schneider will cause a major headache for the opposition with their speed and accuracy.

However, Sydney has their own version of the ‘rat pack’, consisting of Lewis Jetta and Ben McGlynn - both extremely dangerous small forwards.

Jetta is the Swans leading goal kicker this season with 36, 12 ahead of tall forward Sam Reid. Riewoldt (40) and Milne (35) are the Saints best.

The battle of the forwards will be interesting to watch. Ranking fourth in goal accuracy, and third for total goals, the Saints will be hoping that its potent forward line can get them over the line.