Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Sunday March 22, 1.05pm AEDT
Last time they met: Blundstone Arena, round 16, 2019: North Melbourne 17.10 (112) beat St Kilda 11.7 (73)
What it means for North Melbourne: The optimism about the Roos from last year has dissipated, in part because some stars had interrupted pre-seasons. However, almost all of them are ready to go, which makes Sunday’s season-opener a chance to show the momentum can roll on.
What it means for St Kilda: Brett Ratten has a way of winning people over, and many are tipping a finals assault for his Saints. Pre-season hype counts for little once the real stuff starts, so they’ll be looking to take an early scalp.
The stat: North has won nine of its past 11 clashes with St Kilda, while star onballer Ben Cunnington averages more possessions (24.3) against the Saints than any other opposition.
The match-up: Todd Goldstein v Rowan Marshall
The master and the apprentice? While Goldstein (No.3 ruckman in the Player Ratings) might not be the AFL’s premier ruckman anymore, he returned to some of his best form last year, when Marshall (14th) announced himself as a seriously promising big man.
In the spotlight: Bradley Hill
The Saints were the busiest club in last year’s Telstra AFL Trade Period as they brought in five players, but none was bigger than Hill (though Ryder was significantly bigger by volume). He provides much-needed dash, skills and ball-winning ability to Moorabbin, but the expectations are high.
Big call: Marshall to outscore Goldstein by 20+ points. (Update: very bad call. Stupid, stupid Salamander…)
The Salamander’s tip: St Kilda by 25 points.
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Great work Jack!
Thanks.
If he tipped North, would you still be thanking him Sainter. 😉
Yeah nah. But it’s the right tip 😉
These’ll be two of the toughest teams this year you’d think. Will be looking at the tackles numbers for sure!
I’m starting to feel a bit better about starting Lukosius over Roberton.
His youth and DPP ( Brander swing ) just got him over the line.
Taylor looking pretty impressive.
I might have 190 points ( Sturt ) sitting on my forward bench at this rate.
Bondi is as quiet as I’ve ever seen it. looks like lock down is eminent.
Stay safe people.
Boys help
TU king
TD taylor
Josh Walker landed horribly and doesn’t look to be in a good state
He did manage to walk off the ground so it is a lot better than first thought
Failed the concussion test. Done for the day sadly
Man of STEELE. 41 at Qtr-Time!
If only he did this when you talked me into starting him last year!
Marshall struggling to score in SC, Goldy on the other hand is on fire
Curtis Taylor – get going ya big spud
Brought him on instead of keeping Budarick score 🙁
Ben Long look out for the day with a rolled ankle in a mark contest. Been off almost all 2nd quarter. Is able to walk but not normally. Annoying for SC Tech teams
Long is going to play the second half, Gresham out for 2nd half not sure what happened.
Minor PCL strain for Gresham
I might have two players fall in value…McAsey and Taylor 🙁
You legend taylor…3 pts at half time.
Half Time Scores
North
Goldy 80, 14 HO’s
Dumont 60
Polec 59
Murphy 28
Ziebell 23
Taylor 2
Saints
Billings 74
Ryder 69, 6 HO’s
Zak Jones 58
Hannebery 54
Hill 48
Marshall 44, 7 HO’s
Roberton 21, Not really sited after first 5 minutes
King 21, 1 goal 1 behind 4 possies
Hey guys just read that the state borders are closing as of Tuesday so footy would be suspended for some time
What r the chances AFL and NRL r excluded by the governments and allowed to play on?
Hey Hynsi, i think the only way rhe NRL and AFL stop competition is if someone inside clubs contracts the virus.
If states close borders, I doubt they’ll make exceptions. It’s not just players coming across, it’s also medical staff, coaches, media, groud operators, etc.
Think that’s it.
Yep that’s my point if your going to close borders that means everyone no exceptions
It said for “non essential” travel…surely nothing more essential than AFL !!!
It’s the only thing keeping me sane and not rioting. I’m pretty sure the footy is essential
Ziebell being assisted off the ground by trainers. It is knee and commentators suggesting Medial
Lads take
TU – BZT 49 points
TD – play Starcevich
The way rookie scores have been, 49 is a good enough score! I left BZTs 49 on the bench and thought either Z. Guthrie or McAsey would do better.
Taylor actually did a fair bit that quarter jumping to 39 SC Points.
King on the other hand was not sited dropping a point to 20.
Roberton only on 34 points and it is all due to every behind North has kicked.
The ‘Man of Steele’ been useless after quarter time only on 63 from his 40 point 1st quarter.
Marshall and Ryder sharing the ruck, taking points off each other
Up to 65 with 13 mins left
Oops that’s Taylor up to 65
Love ya Goldy!!! Seriously underrated in SC.
Rucks are dominating the points, Ceglar owners should be confident of a good score the sarvo. Ryder has ruined Marshall as an option in supercoach unfortunately. And where are these so-called “big-name” recruits my Saints have paid big money for. I fear we’ve thrown all these $$ at yesterdays hero’s. At least Taylor showing signs of life, benefiting from 3 Roos out for the day.
Hey all, after seeing Goldy dominate in SC in comparison to his DT stats, I’m beginning to second guess Petracca and go for Ceglar instead, thoughts would be appreciated!
TU – Petracca
TD – Ceglar
Taylor is my hero !!!
Think he was 3pts at half time
Hmmmm…border shutdown likely so 14 day self isolation will apply.
Rds 2and 3…..local derbies in WA, SA, NSW and QLD….Vic clubs drawn at random to play each other.
There’s 3 rounds played.
Yep – announcement just then from the commentators on Fox said the Vic position is to ban / suspend all non essential activity and they believe Footy is that.
They also said that they believe NSW will make same announcement … I think that means the Footy codes will both be done sadly …
Stay tuned to a further announcement from footy later today / tomorrow …
Roberton you absolute spud!
So glad I put c on Cunnington late !!!
Thought it might have been greedy not taking Grundy 179
Sure ya did…..