With David Teague officially at the helm, Carlton will be gunning for the perfect start to its new era. 

Tensions boiled over several times back in Round 10 when the two sides last met, and there's no doubt the Blues will bring the heat to begin Teague's official coaching tenure with a win.

But the Saints, under caretaker coach and Carlton great Brett Ratten, will be determined to play spoiler and secure their second triumph over the ‘Baggers for 2019. 

LAST TIME THEY MET:

Round 10, 2019 at Marvel Stadium
St Kilda 9.14 (68) def. Carlton 8.7 (55)

BEST:
St Kilda: Gresham, Steele, Dunstan, Ross, Wilkie, Membrey
Carlton: Cripps, Simpson, C. Curnow, Walsh, E. Curnow 

GOALS:
St Kilda: Membrey 2, Bruce 2, Parker 2, Dunstan, Phillips, Newnes, 
Carlton: C.Curnow 2, Gibbons 2, McKay, Newman

WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR:

1. JACK STEVEN V DALE THOMAS 

Dale Thomas has called time on his 14-year career.

Kade Simpson has long been regarded as Carlton’s most veteran defender, but Dale Thomas has been carving out a name for himself as a general down back. 

The 32-year-old has enjoyed his most solid season to date in the navy blue, playing off the half-back flank to average 20 disposals, five marks and four rebound-50s per game. 

INJURY UPDATE: Coffield to miss remainder of the season

Saturday will mark Thomas’ 100^th game for the Blues and the last at the MCG before his retirement, with Jack Steven a likely opponent come Saturday. 

‘Stuv’ was electric in his comeback game, collecting 22 disposals, three goals and six score involvements to steer the Saints to a last-minute victory. 

Now playing up forward as he regains his fitness, Steven’s flair pitted against Thomas’ consistency is likely to be an intriguing contest.

2. LUKE DUNSTAN V PATRICK CRIPPS

Patrick Cripps racked up 28 possessions and eight clearances back in Round 10.

Saturday could be further cause for celebration for Carlton, with Patrick Cripps set to play his 100^th career game. 

A hot favourite for this year’s Brownlow, Cripps’ sheer dominance in clearances (151) and contested possessions (304) will leave him as St Kilda’s priority No.1. 

The No. 9 averages 28 disposals and eight clearances per game; the latter being the highest average in the league. 

DONE DEAL: Luke Dunstan signs on until 2021

With his blend of composure, grunt and game-breaking tendencies, Jack Steele is likely to grapple with the champion Blue. 

But Luke Dunstan could be a viable option to match him at the coalface. 

The No. 7, fresh off a new two-year deal, leads St Kilda’s clearances (98) along with Rowan Marshall, and is just one of four players to average over six clearances, five tackles and four inside-50s per game in 2019.

3. NATHAN BROWN V HARRY MCKAY 

Harry McKay's marking has become a defining feature of his game.

Even with Charlie Curnow on the sidelines, the Blues haven’t been starved of tall options up forward. 

Harry McKay has served as Carlton’s main target over the past few months, with his aerial ascendancy resulting in rewards on the scoreboard. 

The 204cm forward has slotted a career-high 24 goals after bouts of injury in his previous two seasons. 

TEAM SELECTION: Brown returns for clash with the Blues

With McKay leading his side for marks inside-50 (40), contested marks (39) and marks on the lead (39) by a country mile, Nathan Brown will be tasked with reining in the big Blue. 

The big-bodied defender has been recalled to combat Carlton’s tall timber, which has been potent in recent weeks. 

Brown starred the last time the two sides butted heads, notching up a game-high 13 one-percenters and holding McKay to the one major.