St Kilda will face an in-form GWS as it looks to notch up its fifth win of the year.
The Saints are set to enter an exceptionally tough month, with three of their next four games against finalists from Season 2018.
It’s been six years since the red, white and black ventured to Canberra, with their one and only outing at the nation’s capital against GWS resulting in a 72-point win over their young opposition.
But the Giants are a vastly different side in 2019.
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Leon Cameron’s men are firming as a solid finals contender off the back of their blazing start to the year, with several players starring.
And Stephen Coniglio has been the name on everyone’s minds.
Armed with incredible speed, an ability to rack up possessions all over the ground and a sound balance in his game, the acting captain’s influence poses a serious threat.
A broken finger did little to hamper the gun midfielder last week, with 24 disposals, five clearances and four goals to his name against crosstown rivals, Sydney.
Canberra product Jack Steele is likely to line up on Coniglio in what shapes as a game-defining match-up, the ex-Giant playing just his second game in his hometown.
And with Josh Kelly’s flair, Tim Taranto’s pressure and physicality and Jacob Hopper’s contested dominance adding to the imposing midfield, it’s a tall order for the Saints’ on-ball brigade.
The trio’s dominance has been emblematic of the Giants’ ascendancy through the centre.
And it’s translated into their potency when moving forward, in which they sit third in the league for total goals (53) and second for total points scored (570).
Talk about a fairy-tale comeback.
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) May 2, 2019
Jonathon Marsh will play his first game for the club this Saturday.
- https://t.co/Q94PnxFLEn pic.twitter.com/2qT9lPlKdD
The Saints have lauded themselves on their running and fitness, but GWS leads the competition for total distance covered (316km).
Both sides enter Saturday afternoon with depleted backlines, with star defenders Lachie Whitfield and Jarryn Geary among the casualty list.
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The responsibility falls onto Zac Williams for the Giants – who has been in fine form with a team-high 32 rebound-50s – and will be ably assisted by Nick Haynes and the leadership of Heath Shaw and the returning Phil Davis.
His opposition counterpart in Shane Savage will once again be crucial in launching the Saints out of the back half, while Darragh Joyce will man the key defensive post for St Kilda in place of Nathan Brown.
GWS’ combined run and fearless approach when transitioning into attack has long served as a defining feature, and will be especially dangerous for the visitors, given they’ll be without high-pressure forward Jack Lonie.
The Saints will be missing another key forward in Josh Bruce (leg soreness), but will welcome St Kilda debutant Jonathon Marsh off the back of his impressive form in the VFL.
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Marsh’s ability to play at either end of the ground, speed and proficiency shapes as a difficult match-up for the Giants, who will also have to tackle the livewire force of Matty Parker.
Should Marsh’s services be required down back, it will be to rein in the dangerous Jeremy Cameron, who leads the Coleman race with 24 majors – seven in front of second-placed Tom Lynch – and has racked up 58 goal assists.
His imposing form has been mirrored by Toby Greene, who has returned from injury in emphatic style, with his three-goal bag against Sydney a snapshot of the danger he poses.
A Giant scalp is just what’s required, and the Saints will be ensuring they do everything they can to come back home with the four points.