THE SAINTS head to Wellington as the surprise packet of season, with their 16-point win over Essendon on Saturday night propelling them to 3-2 and a scenario no one predicted. Captain Nick Riewoldt has been in career-best form and is leading the race for the Coleman Medal, while Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna are playing well, strongly supported by youngsters Luke Dunstan, Jack Billings and Eli Templeton. The Lions are struggling despite Jonathan Brown's vintage form in his 250th game on Thursday night. They are winless after five matches but will get back Daniel Merrett and maybe Pearce Hanley this week.




WHERE AND WHEN: Westpac Stadium, Friday April 25, 7.45pm (5.45pm AEST)

TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2013, Brisbane Lions 16.12 (108) d St Kilda 11.11 (77) at the Gabba
R16, 2012, St Kilda 16.9 (105) d Brisbane Lions 14.8 (92) at the Gabba
R5, 2011, St Kilda 13.11 (89) d Brisbane Lions 11.10 (76) at the Gabba
R15, 2010, St Kilda 11.13 (79) d Brisbane Lions 10.5 (65) at the Gabba
R9, 2009, St Kilda 14.13 (97) d Brisbane Lions 13.3 (81) at Etihad Stadium

THE SIX POINTS
1. This will be the second premiership game played overseas after the Sydney Swans' win over St Kilda in Wellington in round five, 2013.

2. The Lions' plight this season can be summed up by the fact they trail in most major statistical categories, with them ranked last in disposals, contested possessions, contested marks, marks inside 50 and inside 50s.  

3. But when the Lions defeated St Kilda in 2013 they won almost every stat including disposals, marks, tackles, hit-outs, scoring shots and inside 50s.

4. Riewoldt played some kind of game in Wellington last year. After dragging Ted Richards everywhere, he was given Heath Grundy as an opponent after half-time and still ended with 27 touches, 13 marks and two goals.

5. The Saints haven't been popular with the umpires in 2014, ranked 15th for free kicks.

6. Jack Steven remains the best placed from both sides in the Official AFL Player Ratings despite missing the first three rounds.

Prediction: St Kilda by 32 points