St Kilda will be hoping to spoil Melbourne’s top-four aspirations when they face off against the Demons on Sunday afternoon at the MCG.

While Melbourne risk dropping three consecutive games this week, they have nonetheless shown their damaging potential throughout the season.

The Demons boast some of the most dangerous players in the competition, one of whom is firmly in the hunt to add a Brownlow Medal to his list of accolades.

Max Gawn has arguably been Melbourne’s best player and undoubtedly one of the most influential players in the entire league.

Seldom beaten in ruck duels and averaging 16 touches a game, Gawn looks to be a frontrunner for the AFL’s most coveted individual honour.

The Demons are ranked second in clearances (510) and first in hit-outs (675) thanks to Gawn’s service, which has formed the foundation for Melbourne’s dominance through the midfield.

Co-captain Jack Viney has been fiery since his return, and alongside fellow hard men Christian Petracca and Christian Salem, has been integral to Melbourne’s aggressive approach.

Viney has been superb in all facets of the game, and his contested ball numbers – 12.8 from an average of 24.6 a game – serve as a testament to his hard style of play.

Topped off by the likes of co-captain Nathan Jones and Clayton Oliver – who leads Melbourne’s contested possessions (213) and tackles (96) – the Demons’ midfield certainly looms as a threat.

St Kilda will be strengthened by the return of Jarryn Geary, who will play a pivotal role in leading the Saints’ young defence and curtailing Melbourne’s attack.

Young Irishman Darragh Joyce will make his AFL debut for the Saints, and the 194cm big man will look to build on his impressive defensive form in the VFL.

READ: Darragh gets his chance

Tom McDonald will be the main target for the Demons, with the 25-year-old registering over two goals a game.

Sitting on 28 majors from eight games, McDonald has been just as damaging in the air as on the scoreboard, with an average of three marks inside 50.

Up the other end of the ground, his brother, Oscar McDonald has also been in ominous form.

Michael Hibberd, too, has shown traces of his 2017 All Australian form, and the Saints’ forward setup will need all guns blazing to break through.

With their skipper set to return and an increased belief in their side following their win against Gold Coast, St Kilda won’t be ruling out an upset by any means.