SUMMARY
St Kilda's season is petering out, with Rhys Stanley the sixth player to be ruled out for the year this week after fracturing his collarbone. The Saints' last victory came in round 13 against Melbourne. On Saturday night, they went down to the Brisbane Lions by 31 points at the Gabba. Meanwhile, the Hawks are top of the table despite their surprise loss to Richmond at the MCG. It was their third loss for the season and second in five games but they're still half a game clear from the second-placed Sydney Swans.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday August 9, 7.50pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2012, Hawthorn 18.15 (123) d St Kilda 13.10 (88) at the MCG
R8, 2011, Hawthorn 14.15 (99) d St Kilda 10.9 (69) at the MCG
R17, 2010, St Kilda 14.3 (87) drew Hawthorn 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2009, St Kilda 10.14 (74) d Hawthorn 7.7 (49) at Aurora Stadium
2PF, 2008, Hawthorn 18.10 (118) d St Kilda 9.10 (64) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these teams met – round six, 2012 at the MCG, the Hawks won by 35 points. Cyril Rioli – the 10th-ranked player overall in the Official AFL Player Ratings – starred with six goals while Lance Franklin booted five.
2. While the Hawks might be atop of the ladder and the Saints are 16th, it's the latter team that enters the game with the better record at Etihad Stadium. There have been seven previous meetings between them at the Docklands venue, with the Saints winning four games to two with one draw.
3. But the Hawks have won the past two head-to-heads. Since 2007, there's been four wins to three in the Hawks' favour. Hawthorn also holds a narrow advantage overall, having won 76 games to 71 from 150. There have also been two draws.
4. In the battle of the big forwards, St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt has kicked 30 goals in 13 clashes with the Hawks. At the other end, Lance Franklin has kicked 27 goals in 10 games against the Saints. In the Official AFL Player Ratings, Buddy has Riewoldt covered – he is the No.1 ranked forward (14th overall) while the big Saint is the 13th (89th overall).
5. Hawthorn is the No.1 ranked side in 2013 for marks inside 50, with an average of 15.1 per game. St Kilda is 13th with 10.9 per game. The Hawks are also ranked second for centre clearances while the Saints are 16th.
6. Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston is scheduled to play his 50th AFL game this week. The 21-year-old will play his 36th game for the Hawks after 14 for Adelaide in his first two seasons in the AFL.
