Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Sunday, May 26, 3.20pm AEST
Last time they met: Docklands Stadium, round 17, 2018: St Kilda 16.20 (116) beat Carlton 7.10 (52)
An elevated heart rate for brave Blues ruckman Matthew Kreuzer ended his night just minutes into the clash. The Saints would dominate the contest and added to the Blues' pain in a season they ended up with the wooden spoon.
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What it means for St Kilda: Coming off four straight losses after a difficult month, the 4-5 Saints can put themselves in a position to contend for finals, with Port Adelaide and Gold Coast to come after the Carlton clash.
What it means for Carlton: The Blues have been competitive in seven of their nine games but have been disastrous in two of their past three outings, against North Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney. Victory would be a sign of improvement.
How St Kilda wins: Don't drop off. The Saints have been reasonably consistent, considering how much talent they have sidelined and having faced flag contenders the past three weeks. They need to keep their effort up.
How Carlton wins: Patrick Cripps can't have 12 disposals, like he did against the Giants. It's fair to assume he won't either. The Carlton co-captain is an absolute jet and will respond.
The stat: St Kilda has won four in a row over Carlton. Before that, Carlton won four in a row over St Kilda. Before that, St Kilda won four in a row over Carlton. Are the Blues about to start a run of four straight wins over the Saints?
The match-up: Jack Steele v Patrick Cripps
The Saints stopper went head to head with the Blues superstar last time round, and while he couldn't limit Cripps, both were prolific. Cripps is ranked No.8 in the Official AFL Player Ratings, while Steele is No.53.
It’s a big week for: Brendon Bolton
The pressure is red-hot on the Blues coach, as it should be. He's been in charge since the end of 2015 but in his fourth season, there are serious questions over how long this rebuild is taking. It's time the club starts winning.
The heat continues to be turned up on Blues coach Brendon Bolton. Can he stop the rot? Picture: AFL Photos
Prediction: St Kilda by 11 points
