Sunday July 6, 1.10pm
Etihad Stadium
Fox Footy
Overview:
Both Carlton and St Kilda will be desperate for a win this Sunday.
The Saints have lost nine consecutive games, while the Blues are on a five-match losing streak that has put an end to their finals aspirations.
As critical as Mick Malthouse was of the talent at Carlton at this week, the midfield trio of Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy and Chris Judd still remains one of the finest in the AFL.
SCOUTING REPORT: Malthouse laments 'lack of talent'
Much like the round eight game between these two teams where Kade Simpson (36 disposals), Gibbs (38), Murphy (32) and Brock Mclean (29) all dominated, this clash is likely to be won and lost in the midfield.St Kilda’s Leigh Montagna and Jack Steven have been good at times in 2014, without achieving the consistency the pair produced last year. Meanwhile, Luke Dunstan has burst onto the scene as an inside ball-winner, and Maverick Weller is making a name for himself as an excellent tagger.
Given Gibbs’ best on ground performance in round eight, Weller looks likely to run with him, while Alan Richardson will have to decide whether to hurt Judd and Murphy offensively, or shut them down too.
But aside from these tactical and structural decisions, the most important component of St Kilda’s game remains its first quarter.
If it can get off to a good start, unlike last weekend’s clash against Richmond, then a fourth win isn’t beyond the realms of possibility for the 18th placed Saints.
Injury list:
St Kilda:
Sam Gilbert (foot) – 4 weeks
Eli Templeton (arm) – 2 months
Jarryn Geary (elbow) – 2 month
Lenny Hayes (groin) – test
Arryn Siposs (shoulder) – test
Spencer White (ankle) – 1-2 weeks
Daniel Markworth (hamstring) – 9 weeks
Jimmy Webster (foot) - season
RELATED: Webster out for the year
Carlton:Dylan Buckley (hand) – 2 weeks
Jaryd Cachia (shoulder) – 2 weeks
Patrick Cripps (leg) - test
David Ellard (calf) – 1 week
Cameron Giles (foot) – season
Matthew Kreuzer (foot) – 4 weeks
Jarrad Waite (hip) – test
Simon White (knee) – available
Jack Newnes has been one of St Kilda's most improved players this year.
Last week:
St Kilda 11.7 (73) defeated by Richmond 18.9 (117)
Carlton 11.10 (76) defeated Collingwood 13.13 (91)
Running hot:
St Kilda: Shane Savage
Savage’s last fortnight has been a remarkable turnaround.
Not only has he become one of St Kilda’s most damaging ball winner’s, but he’s expected to shoulder even more responsibility this weekend without the injured Jimmy Webster.
Savage collected a season-high 26 disposals against Richmond from half back and will be full of belief now his spot in the team has been secured.
VFL spotlight: Shane Savage
Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
The last time these two teams met, Gibbs collected a season-high 38 disposals in the Blues win. Since then, the 25-year-old has been in terrific form, averaging over 25 touches per outing from rounds 10 to 15.
Watch out for:
St Kilda: Cameron Shenton
He may only be eight games into what promises to be a long and fruitful AFL career, but Cameron Shenton is already turning heads with his run and dash from half-back.
Drafted to the Saints as a forward, Shenton’s rise to the senior team this year gas been a resounding success, with the ex-rookie averaging 17 possessions per outing in his seven matches following a string of outstanding VFL performances.
Carlton: Chris Judd
The football world almost forgot about Chris Judd’s superior talents during his injury layoff this year, but since his return against the Hawks in round 13, the dual Brownlow Medallist has averaged 24.3 touches and over four tackles per game.
At his best, Judd is still one of the most influential players in the competition, and the Saints will need to watch him closely in order to limit his influence this Sunday.
Last time they met:
Round 8, 2014 at Etihad Stadium
St Kilda 9.15 (69) defeated by Carlton 15.11 (101)
Disposals: Hayes (30), Gibbs (38)
Goals: Riewoldt, Yarran (4 each)
RELATED: Saints lose to Blues
