SUMMARY
This one has no impact on the top-eight, but both teams will be desperate for a win. The Western Bulldogs have won just one game in their past 10 and their last month has been particularly poor, losing all four by an average of 53 points. In fairness, a monster injury list has robbed a list that is packed with youth. Meanwhile, St Kilda fought hard against Greater Western Sydney last week but inaccuracy in front of goal was once again a problem. At their best, both the Saints and Bulldogs dial up the pressure and offer a formidable challenge, but sustaining that over the course of an entire match is another matter. St Kilda will again rely on Jake Carlisle, who has offered plenty in defence, while Jade Gresham has taken great strides both up forward and more recently, through the midfield.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, August 4, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the AFL's broadcast guide
Jade Gresham has taken his game to new heights in 2018
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2017, Western Bulldogs 13.12 (90) d St Kilda 7.8 (50) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2016, St Kilda 11.9 (75) d Western Bulldogs 9.6 (60) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2016, Western Bulldogs 13.15 (93) d St Kilda 5.6 (36) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2015, Western Bulldogs 9.8 (62) d St Kilda 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2015, St Kilda 14.10 (94) d Western Bulldogs 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When the sides last met, the Dogs dominated the second half, kicking eight goals to four. Jake Stringer starred, picking up three Brownlow votes after slotting five goals.
2. Both teams have struggled to score this season. St Kilda is 15th for goals, with an average of 10 per game. The Bulldogs are 16th, with 9.6.
3. The Dogs have had the better of the Saints recently, winning five of the past seven matches. There have been some close finishes, with four games decided by fewer than three goals.
4. St Kilda is ranked equal-last for clearances, with 33.6 per game. The other team alongside the Saints in that category is the ladder-leading Richmond.
5. The Bulldogs are the worst second-half side this season. In third quarters, their points differential compared to the opposition is -237, and -199 in final terms. They have won only one fourth quarter since round eight.
6. Dogs onballer Toby McLean has been a huge riser in the Schick AFL Player Ratings in 2018. He ranked No.161 at the start of the year and is up to No.66.
Big-bodied Saint Jack Steele has been in career-best form in his new life as a tagger, and a match-up with Marcus Bontempelli looms. He's the star of the Dogs' midfield and Steele will need to be at his best to keep the classy left-footer quiet.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 11 points.
