ST KILDA has fallen in a bit of a hole after its encouraging start to the season. The Saints have lost the last three but have been heavily hit by long-term injuries to key players. Nick Riewoldt ground his way through Monday night's 32-point loss to Carlton and picked up new sore spots when he was crunched by Marc Murphy, but continues to be in their best each week. Meanwhile, the Suns are flying and are sixth on the ladder, with the Saints' 14th. They've had a week off and have won four of their last five games, including two in Melbourne.



WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday May 18, 4.40pm

TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2013, St Kilda 17.14 (116) d Gold Coast 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2013, Gold Coast 13.12 (90) d St Kilda 10.17 (77) at Metricon Stadium
R11, 2012, St Kilda 21.18 (144) d Gold Coast 7.7 (49) at Metricon Stadium
R2, 2012, St Kilda 21.13 (139) d Gold Coast 7.5 (47) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2011, St Kilda 10/14 (74) d Gold Coast 6.18 (54) at Metricon Stadium

THE SIX POINTS
1. Riewoldt is in form and history suggests that will continue this week. He's kicked 17 goals in four games against the Suns.

2. The Suns are ranked 10th in clearances but Gary Ablett is pulling his weight. He's second in the competition with 55.

3. Gary Ablett has kicked 24 goals in 20 games against St Kilda for Geelong and Gold Coast (average 1.2) and polled 10 Brownlow votes (average 0.5 votes). This is, however, below his career averages of 1.33 goals a game and 0.739 Brownlow votes a game.

4. Tom Lynch has taken the most contested marks in the competition this season, despite the Suns struggling in the area.

5. However, the Suns have been strong in contested possessions; they're ranked equal fifth in the League.

6. Unsurprisingly, Gary Ablett remains ranked No.1 in the Official AFL Player Ratings and Tom Curren is likely to get the job on him this week. Curren has been good against the likes of Patrick Dangerfield, Bernie Vince and Tom Rockliff this year so far.

Prediction: Gold Coast by 28 points