St Kilda vs North Melbourne
Where and when:
Sunday June 2, 4:40pm
Etihad Stadium

BacksJames GwiltRhys StanleyJack Newnes
Half BacksSean DempsterSam FisherJimmy Webster
CentrelineJarryn Geary Nick Dal SantoDylan Roberton
Half ForwardsSeb RossArryn SipossDavid Armitage
ForwardsAhmed SaadNick RiewoldtStephen Milne
FollowersBen McEvoyLeigh MontagnaJack Steven
InterchangeTom HickeyClint JonesFarren Ray
 Nathan WrightJosh SaundersBeau Maister
 Jackson Ferguson  


In: David Armitage, Jackson Ferguson, Nathan Wright, Josh Saunders
Out: Lenny Hayes

Milestone: Leigh Montagna - 200 games

[RELATED: When Joey fell into the Saints' pouch ]

Overview:

North Melbourne is in the only team in the AFL to average at least 100 points for and 100 points against in the first nine rounds of the season. This statistic suggests an ability to run, spread and score, but also a weakness in aspects of defence. They will be burning from recent close results, most notably Adelaide's extraordinary comeback last Sunday afternoon.

St Kilda has been largely underwhelming in the past fortnight, struggling against the Crows and pipped by the Western Bulldogs. Prior to this, the Saints had a promising three weeks against three quality sides, but were only able to get the four points against the Blues. As a result, they sit 2-7, and the next few weeks shape as vital matches if St Kilda is to rebuild its season.

Individually, the two milestone-men this Sunday loom large. Brent Harvey is showing no signs of slowing down ahead of his 350th AFL match, while St Kilda ball-winner Leigh Montagna has been in terrific form this season and will play his 200th game against the Kangaroos.

[RELATED: Montagna through the years ]

Drew Petrie and Nick Riewoldt are the primary targets inside 50 for both teams, but the likes of Lindsay Thomas, Stephen Milne and Ahmed Saad each have important roles to play when the ball hits the deck and as lead-up options.

In defence, Shaun Atley and Jamie McMillan both provide significant run and skill for North Melbourne, while Dylan Roberton has firmly entrenched himself in St Kilda's best 18 this year, and continues to grow as a player on a weekly basis.

This clash pits two teams who are unashamedly hungry for immediate success against each other. They both need to win, and this fact alone should translate into a fascinating and ferocious battle on Sunday evening.

Both sides are missing one key midfielder each, with Jack Ziebell suspended and Lenny Hayes injured.

Stat focus:

  • North Melbourne is ranked first for disposal efficiency in the AFL, going at 73.7 per cent this season
  • St Kilda is ranked 12th for tackles, while North Melbourne is ranked 16th.
  • The Saints have a goal-kicking accuracy of 47 per cent, ranked 16th in the competition. The Kangaroos are ranked third, with a percentage of 54.
  • St Kilda is ranked second in the AFL for bounces per game, averaging 14.4 per match.
  • Scott D. Thompson and Dylan Roberton are ranked equal seventh in the AFL for rebound 50s, averaging 4.2 per game.
  • Ben Cunnington is ranked third in the AFL for clearances, averaging 7.2 per match.
  • Nick Riewoldt is ranked first in the AFL for marks, averaging 10.3 per game across the first nine rounds.

Injury list:

St Kilda:

North Melbourne:

  • Kieran Harper (ankle) Test
  • Robbie Tarrant (leg) 1-2 weeks
  • Daniel Currie (thumb) 3 weeks
  • Tom Curran (foot) Season

Last week:
St Kilda 15.11 (101) defeated by Western Bulldogs 17.8 (110)
North Melbourne 19.10 (124) defeated by Adelaide 18.17 (125)

What they say: (North Melbourne coach Brad Scott on Thursday)
It was a devastating loss [last week] - there's no shying away from that - and we haven't stuck our heads in the sand and pretended it didn't happen and laid blame at the feet of other people.

Now there's no point in me sugar-coating things and saying we don't have a challenge because clearly we do.

We've got to stand up to that, own up to it, and lay ourselves bare and the go about remedying it. The players' response so far this week has been outstanding and I'm sure they'll follow that through on Sunday.

What we say (St Kilda coach Scott Watters Thursday):
From our point of view the pressure is on every week. We want the pressure to be on our players, the way we train and we are hungry to get better. We're not comfortable where we sit and we don't want to be at this stage of the season and to have won two games.

They (North Melbourne) are a good side. You lose four games by four points or less and it shows they are a good side. We respect them as a club and respect the way they play. We expect a fierce battle.

We're very focused on our need to improve, our game plan and our need to develop younger players. So whatever situation eventuates at the end of the game we will be prepared either way.

Running hot:
St Kilda: Leigh Montagna
The milestone man is having another consistent season, averaging 26.9 disposals per game in the Saints midfield. His performance last weekend was particularly valuable, collecting 27 touches, laying six tackles and booting two goals.

North Melbourne: Lindsay Thomas 
The elusive forward booted five goals last week against Adelaide and sits in second place on the Coleman Medal table. The last time these two teams met, Thomas kicked 3.2 and gave away five free kicks.

Watch out for:
St Kilda: Sean Dempster
Last year Dempster ran with key playmaker Brent Harvey and did an outstanding job. The defender held Harvey to just 15 possessions and if the two go head-to-head again it promises to be a captivating duel.

North Melbourne: Shaun Atley
The back-flanker doesn't get a lot of the ball, but when he does watch out for his lethal right boot. Atley provides piercing run and carry from the Kangaroos defensive 50 and loves to zone off his direct opponent to work offensively.

Last time they met:
Round 14, 2012 at Etihad Stadium
St Kilda 15.13 (103) defeated by North Melbourne 21.10 (136)
Disposals: Hayes (29), Wells (34)
Goals: Petrie (4), Steven, Milne, Montagna, Armitage, Hayes (2 each)

You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32