The Saints hope to play party crashers for the second week in a row as they face the Tigers at the MCG in what will be Trent Cotchin's 300th game.

Get all the latest from Ross Lyon ahead of the Round 14 blockbuster.

Master v Apprentice

Ross squares off with former Saint Andrew McQualter in the coaches’ box for the first time on Saturday night.

‘Mini’ McQualter played 89 games for St Kilda between 2005-2011, predominantly under Lyon, and is impressing as Richmond caretaker.

Ross says…“I haven’t really thought about it to be honest. It’s great to see him with an opportunity and taking it… but it’s all about us on the weekend. I think he’s handled himself with aplomb and what a win over there (against Fremantle), they were pretty special. We’ve got our work cut out, but we’ve got a lot of belief.”

Back on the big stage

St Kilda won’t need any extra motivation as they enter a hostile MCG jungle in Trent Cotchin’s 300^th game, but Ross is urging the red, white and black army to make their own presence felt.

The Saints have earned wins in their last two away fixtures - against the Swans and Giants – and will hope to carry that road form into Round 14.

Ross says…“They’re going to be up with the Tiger Army and all that, but let’s get the Saints fans there.

“We’ve just got to have our own arousal and connection piece. It’s been strong all year, but it was unbreakable against Sydney, so we need to take that mentality against the Tigers. It’s a big game for Richmond, their triple Premiership captain’s (300th)… and the Tiger horde will be there.

“We think it’s a sellout night on Broadway… we don’t want to be off Broadway. It’s where we want to be.”

Promising MCG form

Remember when we celebrated 150 years of Saints Footy with a win over the ‘Dons? Ross does.

The Saints converted 14 goals from 52 inside-50s that night on a surface Ross believes suits their hard-running style.

Ross says…“Last time we were on the ‘G we played Essendon in our 150 year celebration game, and I thought we were really dynamic that night. It’s a big ground. They run hard and we run hard, so we’re looking forward to it.”

The best is yet to come

19-year-old Mitchito Owens has been the talk of the town following another stellar performance in the win over the Swans.

But he’s not the only fresh Saint making waves in Bayside, with the likes of Mattaes Phillipou, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager and Anthony Caminiti all playing vital roles in the club’s healthy win-loss record in 2023.

Ross is excited at the group’s potential.

Ross says…“If you’re a Saints supporter, you’re looking at that and that’s what I’m looking at...look where that group is going to be in four years. We’re taking care of the present and we’re really enjoying that longer term narrative as well. There’s a lot of excitement there.”