Friday May 30, 7.50pm (AEST)
Etihad Stadium
Fox Footy, Channel 7 (both live)
Overview
ST KILDA faces another tough test this Friday night, confronting a Collingwood outfit that looks to be priming itself for an assault on September.
Even when they weren't at their best, as was the case against the Eagles last Saturday, the Magpies regularly find a way to get the job done, and with a plethora of midfield talent and a new-look defence, Nathan Buckley’s men are building.
The Saints primary concern at the moment is their injury list, with first-choice players like Sam Gilbert, Tom Hickey and Jarryn Geary on the sidelines. But injuries present opportunities for others, and Blake Acres’ ankle complaint will give another young Saints the chance to make a name for themselves on Friday night.
For Collingwood, Travis Cloke’s lack of form would be of some concern to Buckley and his coaching team.
The key forward has booted just 10 goals this year, and will be committed to replicating his bag of four goals against the Saints the last time these two teams met.
At the other end of the field, Nathan Brown’s season-ending shoulder injury will force 11-gamer Jack Frost to run with Nick Riewoldt. Nick Maxwell is another option, but this move would significantly limit the ex-skipper’s offensive influence on the contest.
Alan Richardson will need to work out who to tag and how to tag them, with Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Dayne Beams all enjoying excellent seasons.
Clint Jones, Maverick Weller and Tom Curren could all play roles on any of these three stars, while Brent Macaffer will probably head to either Leigh Montagna or Jack Steven.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Xavier Clarke
Stat focus
- Collingwood has received the fewest free kicks in the AFL this season, while St Kilda is ranked 16th in this category
- The Magpies are ranked second for tackles in 2014, averaging 74.8 per match
- Despite Collingwood’s star-studded midfield, it is ranked third-last for clearances this year
- The Magpies have had the second-most clangers this year, trailing the Gold Coast suns in this category. Nathan Buckley’s men average 48.6 clangers per game.
- Leigh Montagna is averaging 18.4 kicks per game this year, more than any other player in the AFL.
- Nick Riewoldt has taken 77 marks this year, ranked second in the AFL.
Injury list:
St Kilda:
Sam Fisher (hamstring) – 3 weeks
Sam Gilbert (foot) – 6 weeks
Tom Hickey (foot) – 3 weeks
Nathan Wright (leg) – 5 weeks
Eli Templeton (arm) – 3 months
Jarryn Geary (arm) – 3 months
Trent Dennis-Lane (ankle) – 2 weeks
James Gwilt (hamstring) – 2 weeks
Spencer White (foot) – 1 week
Blake Acres (foot) – 5 weeks
VIDEO: Round 11 Weekly injury report
Collingwood:Ben Sinclair (hamstring) – TBC
Jack Frost (Concussion) – Test
Nathan Freeman (hamstring) – 1-2 weeks
Quinten Lynch (broken leg) – 3-4 weeks
Corey Gault (collarbone) – Indefinite
Matthew Scharenberg (feet) – Indefinite
Nathan Brown (Shoulder) – Season
SCOUTING REPORT: Buckley fine with Maxwell's blast
SCOUTING REPORT: Brown injured
What we say: (St Kilda coach Alan Richardson)
It would be fair to say that the starts to our games, especially in recent times, have been a bit of an issue. That’s something we’ve spoken about strongly.
The Magpies are a good team in good form and they have some real quality out there. We have got some young players and some experienced leaders that have been really strong for us. We’re really looking forward to it.
RELATED: Development still the focus
Last week:
St Kilda - bye
Collingwood 17.7 (109) defeated West Coast 15.11 (101)
Running hot:
St Kilda: Jack Newnes
A career-best 29 disposals against the Gold Coast before the bye has Jack Newnes entering the second half of the year full of confidence.
After a couple of seasons alternating between the wing and the midfield, the 21-year-old looks to have found his niche at half-back in 2014 and has become one of St Kilda’s most reliable rebounding defenders, averaging 20 disposals per game.
Collingwood: Dayne Beams
Dayne Beams cannot be underestimated. His 2014 form has confirmed his standing as one of the AFL’s most consistent forward-running midfielders.
The 100-gamer is averaging 28.7 disposals, 6.1 tackles and over a goal per game, demonstrating his all-round capabilities in the talent-laden Collingwood engine room.
Watch out for:
St Kilda: Jack Steven
31 possessions in Steven’s last game has him well poised to recapture his 2013 best and fairest form in the second half of the season.
At his best, the elusive midfielder is as damaging as just about any ball-winner in the competition, and as he continues to find match fitness in his return from a foot injury, expect Steven to play a more prominent role in the Saints midfield setup.
Collingwood: Jamie Elliot
The tenacious forward is undoubtedly enjoying his best season since he debuted in 2012.
Not only has Elliot booted 19 majors in 2014, but he has also ventured further afield and is averaging 16.1 disposals per outing.
The 21-year-old booted five goals against Geelong in round three, and since then he’s become of the Collingwood’s most exciting and important players.
Last time they met:
Round 6, 2013 at Etihad Stadium
St Kilda 11.11 (77) defeated by Collingwood 15.13 (103)
Disposals: Montagna (30), Thomas (34)
Goals: Riewoldt (4), Cloke (4)
