SUMMARY
Geelong moved into top spot after three straight wins against premiership contenders Greater Western Sydney, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Despite those victories, the clash against St Kilda will be critical in such a tightly contested season. The Saints will pose a tough challenge, having shown they can play very good football in Victoria. Not having beaten a team in the top eight will make Alan Richardson's men particularly determined to claim a scalp. On the other hand, Chris Scott will be wary his side recently dropped games to Collingwood and Carlton, two clubs in the vicinity of St Kilda's ladder position. Of particular interest in the clash will be the potential match-up of Patrick Dangerfield and Jack Steven, with both in spectacular form. The ability of each to explode away from stoppages could make for a riveting highlight reel.
Rhys Stanley will take on his former side for the first time. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 25, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R21, 2015, St Kilda 14.13 (97) drew Geelong 15.7 (97) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2014, Geelong 20.13 (133) d St Kilda 5.7 (37) at Simonds Stadium
R18, 2013, Geelong 21.11 (137) d St Kilda 5.6 (36) at Simonds Stadium
R21, 2012 Geelong 18.15 (123) d St Kilda 11.15 (81) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2011, Geelong 15.10 (100) d St Kilda 11.6 (72) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Geelong ranks second in the competition for inside-50s with 57.8 per game, while St Kilda is No.13, averaging 50.3 per game.
2. The Saints haven't beaten the Cats since the 2010 qualifying final at the MCG.
3. Geelong averages more centre clearances than any their team in the competition. The Cats are led by their skipper Joel Selwood, who is ranked third in the AFL for that statistic, and Patrick Dangerfield, who is ranked 10th.
4. When these teams have collided at Etihad Stadium, Geelong has won seven compared to St Kilda's six, with one draw.
5. The Cats take more contested marks than any other team, while the Saints are ranked eighth.
6. Dangerfield has shot to the top of the Schick AFL Player Ratings after brilliant performances against North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Rhys Stanley.
The consensus view is the ruckman is an improved player since his days at the Saints, and Stanley will want to prove it in his first game against his former club since being traded to the Cats at the end of 2014.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 28 points.
