Western Bulldogs v St Kilda
Saturday 9 May, 2015
2:10pm, Etihad Stadium

While the Saints have only notched up the one win in 2015, a 28-point victory against the Suns in round two, they’ve noticeably become a much more rounded side under new coach Alan Richardson.

They are the number four side in the competition for rebound 50s, ruckman Billy Longer is third in the competition for hit outs, and forward Josh Bruce is currently second in the race for the Coleman Medal – highlighting their consistency in all areas of the ground.

Captain Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna look set to return after missing matches with injury, which will give the Saints an injection of experience.

The Saints are coming off a two-point loss to Essendon in round five, no doubt their most consistent four-quarter effort of the year, and will be hungry for their second win.

 

St Kilda Key Stats
·         #3 in league for rebound 50s (224)
·         #4 in league for hit outs (226)
·         #6 in league for contested possessions (722)
·         #8 in league for marks inside 50 (55)

 

Players to Watch

Josh Bruce
The former defender has taken up a full-time forward role in 2015 and the Saints’ coaching staff have been rewarded for their decision. Bruce has provided a vital target up forward, particularly in the absence of Riewoldt, and currently sits second on the Coleman Medal tally, averaging over 3 goals a game. Bruce kicked six goals against the Suns in round two, and five against the Bombers in round five and if the Dogs are to walk away with the win, stopping Bruce is key.

David Armitage
In career-best form, David Armitage has stood up in the absence of Montagna and has collected the third most disposals of anyone in the league this season, averaging a massive 31 per game. He collected 35 disposals last week against the Bombers and his experience combined with ball use should provide a challenge for the Dogs.

Head to Head
Western Bulldogs 72
St Kilda 79
Draw 3

 

Last time we met

Western Bulldogs 18.14 (122) defeated St Kilda 15.9 (99) at Etihad Stadium, round 20 2014.

 

St Kilda's last three games

R5 2015 – Essendon 11.16 (82) defeated St Kilda 11.14 (80)
R4 2015 – Carlton 18.13 (121) defeated St Kilda 12.9 (81)
R3 2015 – Collingwood 21.14 (14) defeated St Kilda 10.6 (66)