Preview: St Kilda v RichmondNathan Schmook
afl.com.au
June 25, 2014 Who would have thought Richmond would find itself in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon in round 15? Locked on three wins each, the Tigers (16th) and Saints (18th) have endured forgettable seasons, but the expectations were much higher for Damien Hardwick's men. They take improved form into Saturday's clash after pushing the Sydney Swans for a half last Friday night, but the Saints were also encouraged by their defensive efforts against the Eagles, despite falling 33 points short. Both sides should be desperate to regain some respect.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday June 28, 2.10pm
LAST FIVE TIMES
R14, 2013, Richmond 17.17 (119) d St Kilda 8.7 (55) at MCG
R2, 2013, Richmond 14.15 (99) d St Kilda 12.10 (82) at MCG
R10, 2012, Richmond 18.13 (121) d St Kilda 16.17 (113) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2011, St Kilda 13.17 (95) drew with Richmond 14.11 (95) at MCG
R21, 2010, St Kilda 17.13 (115) d Richmond 14.10 (94) at Etihad Stadium
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THE SIX POINTS1. Richmond defeated St Kilda by 64 points the last time the sides met with Trent Cotchin picking up three Brownlow votes. Jack Riewoldt and Dan Jackson kicked three goals each.
2. The Saints continue to struggle to hit the scoreboard and are ranked 17th for points scored, averaging 64 per game. They have kicked 10 goals or fewer in each of their past four games.
3. St Kilda has dominated Richmond at Etihad Stadium, winning 10 of the past 11 clashes. The clubs drew when they met at the MCG in 2011.
4. Jack Riewoldt is the No.1 player in 2014 for marks inside 50, taking an average of 4.5 per game. Nick Riewoldt is also in the top 10 with 2.6 per game.
5. Riewoldt enjoys playing the Saints more than any opposition, kicking 33 goals in nine games, including four hauls of six and three bags of seven.
6. Richmond defender Alex Rance jumped eight spots in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade, after his entertaining duel with Lance Franklin in round 14. He is now ranked No.104 overall and No.5 among defenders.
Prediction: Richmond by 38 pointshttp://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-06-25/preview-st-kilda-v-richmond