Game Chat – Melbourne v St Kilda

Written by Thommo on April 20 2019

Where and when: MCG, Saturday April 20, 4.35pm 

Last time they met: MCG, round 15, 2018: Melbourne 18.9 (115) lost to St Kilda 18.11 (19)

The underwhelming performance marked Melbourne’s third-straight loss, signalling doubts over Melbourne’s finals credentials. The Saints produced their best four-quarter performance of the season, but almost let things slip in the last three minutes of the contest.

What it means for Melbourne: Momentum. After three consecutive losses to begin the season, the Demons finally got back on the winners list against the Swans. They must continue that winning form to get their season back on track.

What it means for St Kilda: The Saints have surprised many after beginning the season with three wins from four games. Although Melbourne has been a team out of sorts, beating the Demons would be Alan Richardson’s side’s biggest scalp of the season.

How Melbourne wins: Like the second half against Sydney, get on top of the contested possession count and turn that midfield advantage into forward 50 entries. But it will also be important for the Dees to take their chances in front of a goal – a theme that worked against them in the first month of the season.

How St Kilda wins: Limit Melbourne’s possession count and don’t allow the Demons’ midfielders to dictate terms. Move the ball with speed and give their forwards one-on-one opportunities against their opponents.

The match-up: Jack Steele v Clayton Oliver
Steele is likely to go head-to-head in a run-with role with Melbourne’s premier inside midfielder. The Saint – 59th in the AFL Player Ratings –  has been in good form to start 2019, averaging 23.5 disposals per game. Oliver, ranked fifth in Player Ratings, is averaging 32.3 touches per contest.

It’s a big week for: Rowan Marshall
Marshall was excellent against Hawthorn’s Ben McEvoy on Sunday, but the challenges keep coming with a match-up against Max Gawn and Braydon Preuss to come. Marshall will likely lose the hit-out count to Gawn, but his strength lies with his ability to motor around the ground and push forward when required.

Big call: Max Gawn to kick three goals, spending time up forward to stretch St Kilda’s defence.

Thommo’s Tip: Melbourne by 6 points.

1
0


Leave a comment / Scroll to bottom

34 thoughts on “Game Chat – Melbourne v St Kilda”

  1. Melbourne v St Kilda at the MCG, 4.35pm AEST

    NO LATE CHANGES

    FINAL INTERCHANGES
    Melbourne: James Harmes, Sam Weideman, Corey Wagner, Josh Wagner
    St Kilda: Jack Steven, Blake Acres, Ben Paton, Matthew Parker

    2

    0
  2. So……

    Just a little up after this afternoon.. 🙂 🙂 🙂 \

    I got thinking.

    Grundy was average as V C.

    I was gonna go Cripps, ( as C) but he has been up so long, maybe this is the week he returns to earth.

    Then I thought Oliver may be due.

    I finally settled on Max Gawn.

    Come on…….you big bearded beast.

    Make my weekend!

    11

    0
    1. Nice work, FT! So ballsy, I love it.

      I succumbed to the peer pressure of VC’ing Grundy, but I was genuinely tempted to VC Gawn.

      Also, great win against the Giants. Congrats.

      2

      0
      1. Thanks Gunboat.

        Its a still loooong week to find out if my SC team can move up this week.

        So far I have traded Parker to ROB, and managed to get Petrucelle’s ton on my forward bench. I moved Setters forward.

        Heeney is in the mids, so at least I get Atkins on field if he misses.

        Really hoping the Crows boys go big v the Suns for Eddie’s 300th.

        Dreaming for 2300+

        4

        0
  3. Parker has 19 pts for 1 kick, 1 tackle & 2 frees. Assuming 1pt per free & 4 pts for tackle, his 1 kick was worth 13 pts!

    2

    0
    1. They are the basic stats, his tackle was inside 50, a free kick would have been a shot at goal but advantage was payed and they scored a goal. He has had a 1 percenter. So these all contribute to his scoring, and i am seeing that AFL stats are giving him 3 contested possessions off 1 kick

      3

      0
  4. With Constable out ive got a choice to make with which rookie to field. Had the E on Scott who got 41 and i wont probably take. So my choices are
    T/U: Stack vs swans tonight
    T/D: Atkins vs hawks monday

    6

    8
  5. A moment of silence for those who brought Rowan Marshall in this week. Rucks always struggle against big Maxy Gawn.

    8

    0
    1. Thank god i didn’t follow through and reversed the trade. Now Dunkley needs to repay the faith his way!

      3

      0
    2. Long term investment. Won’t play a big Maxie every week.
      Has ROB next week so will hopefully dominate (or at least score well again) again.

      4

      0
      1. No shaggi

        You should of gone Walla!

        Fantasia got the points this week, but next week he will go 130+

        2

        1

Leave a Reply to Leeroy Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *