ST KILDA faces an uphill task to get back into the game against Carlton at Etihad Stadium tonight.

The Saints will need to overturn a 39-point half-time deficit if they are to win their fourth game for the season following a half in which Carlton held the ascendancy for the vast majority of play.

Aside from two Nick Riewoldt majors, a classy Jack Billings finish and Blake Acres first goal in AFL football courtesy of a 50 metre penalty, highlights have been few and far between for Alan Richardson's men, who have conceded over 200 disposals in the first half.

Kade Simpson and Bryce Gibbs have amassed 41 disposals between them, while Lenny Hayes has collected 17 possessions for the Saints and has been a pivotal player in the engine room.

Leigh Montagna has been quiet offensively, but has still laid five tackles, while Jack Steven has been well-held by Dennis Armfield and has collected just seven touches so far.

BEST
Hayes, Acres, Ray, Schneider, Dunstan, Curren