A sea of blue descended upon the MCG last month to support Neale Daniher’s FightMND campaign.

Now, the AFL community will unite once more – this time in purple – in honour of the late Maddie Riewoldt.

Sunday will mark the fourth iteration of Maddie’s Match, which will once again raise much-needed funds to find a cure for bone marrow failure syndromes.

And following a down performance against Brisbane last week, there’s no better – or more significant – occasion for the Saints to bounce back and square the Maddie’s Match ledger.

GAME DAY INFO: All you need to know for Maddie's Match 

Both sides have seen comprehensive victories since the fixture’s inception in 2015, with Alan Richardson’s men hoping to replicate their 67-point victory from 2017.

But a buoyant Tigers outfit stands in their way, with several massive inclusions to boot.

Trent Cotchin, David Astbury, Shane Edwards, Kane Lambert, Jayden Short and Ivan Soldo headline the potential ins for the Tigers, with four of the above six polling in the top 10 for last season’s Jack Dyer Medal.

Last year’s recipient Jack Riewoldt won’t be available however, and while it’s a welcome relief strictly from an opposition perspective, the opportunity for the No. 8 to play in honour of his late cousin is something all fans would like to see.

The Saints won’t be as fortunate in receiving as many fresh and experienced legs – especially following Thursday's injury to Dean Kent – but the possible inclusion of Ben Long could help fill the void up forward.

INJURY UPDATE: Dean Kent to miss remainder of 2019 Season

Injuries have afforded chances to several young Tigers to step into key roles, however.

The likes of Sydney Stack and Liam Baker have impressed, with the former averaging three tackles, 17 disposals and 14 pressure acts per game.

Stack’s frenzied energy will be a dangerous weapon for the Saints to combat, but with a player of Matty Parker’s calibre due for a massive game, the stage is set well and truly set for the 23-year-old to explode and match the ferocity of his opposition counterpart.

The more seasoned veterans in Bachar Houli, Dylan Grimes and Nick Vlastuin have been just as influential, particularly in a defence without Astbury and Alex Rance.

Houli is firming for his first All Australian nomination thanks to his rebounding (58), accumulation of the footy (28 disposals per game) and damaging kicking, while the intercepting skills of both Grimes and Vlastuin have been just as pertinent.

WATCH: Riewoldt family on Maddie Riewoldt's Vision

With a Riewoldt absent in both forward lines, the key battle up forward lies between Tom Lynch and Tim Membrey.

Lynch sits fifth in the Coleman Medal race with 28 majors, while Membrey isn’t too far behind on 25.

And after being held to just the one goal against Brisbane, the Saints’ key target will be set on kicking a big bag to steer his side to victory.

While the Tigers have lost a wealth of key position players this season, it’s been the midfield which has taken arguably the biggest hit, with Richmond uncharacteristically last in the league for clearances (439) as a result.

Following their premiership year, the Tigers registered 90 less clearances, while this season – much of which can be attributed to the loss of Toby Nankervis – sit at rock bottom with Hawthorn.

CLASSIC MATCHES: Saints topple Tigers in '75

Dion Prestia has picked up the slack in the absence of several key mids and has lived up to his nickname of 'The Human Meatball' to great effect.

The big-bodied Tiger tops his side for clearances (74), contested possessions (143), tackles (64) and inside-50s (64), with his strong form and bullish presence around the contest a damaging attribute.

But while he may be the most destructive on paper, it’s impossible to look past Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin.

The 28-year-old will likely relinquish his temporary captaincy to either the returning Edwards or Cotchin, but his on-field direction will remain a vital piece in the Tigers’ engine room.

Dustin Martin executes a trademark 'don't argue' on David Armitage.

A classic case of ‘leading by example’, Martin’s sheer physicality and ability to dictate a game on his terms – backed by his centre clearance work and knack of hitting the scoreboard – will be something the Saints will need to rein in should they want to win.

The possible return of Jack Steele following a dislocated kneecap would be vital in furthering such a cause, while Seb Ross and Rowan Marshall will aspire to be the major drivers in St Kilda’s midfield entourage.

After making his debut for the Saints last week, Dan Hannebery will find himself in another new set of colours for Maddie’s Match.

The triple All Australian was one of the few highlights for the Saints last week with 27 disposals (11 contested) and will hope to piece together another strong showing in front of the St Kilda faithful.

Both midfields pride themselves on their tackling game, with Richmond and St Kilda virtually neck-and-neck in terms of tackle differentials per game (+6) to round out first and second positions in that statistic this season.

There may not be a Riewoldt on the field for either side, but Maddie's Match still looms as a blockbuster.

And for the purple, white and black, a win will mean much more than four points.