ST KILDA will need to orchestrate a miraculous comeback in the second half against Hawthorn if it is to overcome a 58-point deficit.

While the game began with the MCG bathed in sunshine, the weather rapidly descended in sync with the scoreboard, as the Saints struggled to contain Hawthorn's vast array of classy ball-winners and multi-dimensional forwards.

St Kilda was held scoreless in the second term and rarely pushed the ball forward of centre, instead spending the large majority of the term attempting to defend inside its back 50.

Making matters worse for Alan Richardson and his men is the injury to Jarryn Geary, who was clutching his arm early in the second quarter, only to be subbed from the game a few minutes later for Josh Saunders.

Sam Mitchell's day was was cut short at quarter time after collecting just four disposals. He was replaced by debutant Billy Hartung who promptly injected significant pace into the game, gathering five disposals in his first five minutes on the field.

For the Saints, Jack Steven has collected 17 disposals although he has hit a target with less than half of them, while fellow midfielders Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna have also been serviceable.

It hasn't been an easy afternoon for Nick Riewoldt thus far, with Ben McEvoy dropping a kick behind the play and Josh Gibson at the top of his game. For the second consecutive week, the skipper is goalless at half-time in conditions hardly suited for high marking forwards.

Saints debutant Maverick Weller has tried hard in and around the clinches, while Blake Acres hasn't looked out of place despite the lop-sided scoreboard.

The only key stat that St Kilda has matched Alistair Clarkson's men with is contested possessions, yet how these rapid-fire touches are used in tight confines has resembled chalk and cheese.

STK: 2.3 (15)
HAW: 11.7 (73)

BEST
Steven, Dempster, Montagna, Hayes

GOALS
Stanley, Montagna