Sportal is tipping us to win
WE THINK:Richmond have been threatening for a month or so to pull off a big win like they did against Hawthorn last week. The Tigers simply destroyed the Hawks, leading all day and winning every quarter as they put in a genuine four-quarter performance. Hardwick will now want to see them to prove it wasn't a one-off.
The Tigers have had a tough start to the season. Friday night's match against the Saints will mean Richmond have played every top-eight team from 2011 in the first 10 rounds. In their remaining 13 matches, they play teams that are currently outside the finals' positions nine times. A win against St Kilda will give the Tigers plenty of momentum for the rest of the campaign.
Having moved into the eight, the Saints are also on the up and Friday night's match will be an interesting contest to see which of the two teams are serious finals contenders.
St Kilda will take genuine home-ground advantage at Etihad Stadium, where they have won 11 of their last 14 games at the venue, while the Tigers have lost four straight there.
Ivan Maric could be the difference between the two sides. The former Adelaide ruckman is in the top five in the AFL for hit-outs, while the Saints' two best players in that statistic, McEvoy and Stanley, are injured.
If Maric can give the likes of Cotchin, Nathan Foley and Shane Tuck first use of the ball, St Kilda could be chasing all night. Either way, a tough contest is expected as neither side shirks the rough stuff.
Richmond by 11 points.Read the full preview here: http://www.sportal.com.au/afl-match-preview-display/preview-st-kilda-v-richmond-179390