AFL 2017 - R17 St Kilda v Essendon - 19:50pm AEST Etihad Stadium

[_Mike_]

Match Preview

St Kilda is rolling after a fourth consecutive win elevated it to a 9-6 record. The barnstorming win against Richmond last week was as good as the Saints have played this year. Essendon will be prepared though and has shown it can play some formidable football. The Bombers' devastating forward line can burn up the track at Etihad Stadium, with speedy trio Orazio Fantasia, Josh Green and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti particularly dangerous. However, the Saints have their own band of smalls who can cause damage. Jade Gresham knows how to sniff out a goal, even if his set shots have been susceptible, while Jack Billings' match-winning capabilities have shone through in 2017. Conversion could be an issue for the Saints though. While they were largely accurate against the Tigers, they have kicked more behinds than goals nine times in 15 games. The Bombers are good enough to capitalise on mistakes and should be desperate to stay in the finals hunt.​

Last time they met Jack Steven ran rampant for St Kilda when these sides last met, in round 16, 2016. He finished with 41 disposals, 12 tackles and 12 clearances as the Saints held off a determined Essendon. The Saints are ranked third for uncontested possessions, with 256.7 per game and they are just ahead of Essendon, which is fourth at 256.3 per game. Curiously though Essendon is the best first-quarter team in the AFL, having won the first term 12 times out of 15.

St Kilda will be looking to post its fourth-straight victory against Essendon, a streak it hasn't managed against the Bombers since 1970-71. The Saints are aiming to string five matches in a row for the first time since round 16-20 in 2011. Meanwhile, the Bombers will be chasing consecutive wins for the third time this year.

Kiss of Death: St.Kilda by 7​

 

[officialjc]

expect to see the ball zipping from end to end. should be a really quick game.

 

[gavaniacono]

Im only just recovered from last weeks game. Ive thrust off the blanket turned the lights on and have now left the bedroom and taking tentative steps to re-engage the footy world again.

Hope the saints can maintain their gusto and verve and the dons can keep moving the footy fast for an exciting and close game.

Saints by 12.

 

[HBF]

Saints just.
Should be a good game.

 

[Milanista28]

All week I've said this will be a classic game, Fast and tough, Hope it's not a fizzer.

Saints win and our season is cooked AF.

Joey to sit on Jakes head!!

 

[Capt Hindsight]

Saints by 25. Close game with saints putting it away in the last quarter. Essendon not going to win playing players like Josh Green and Craig Bird.

 

[funk44]

Only single seats and standing room left tonight. Should be massive

 

[Milanista28]

Saints by 25. Close game with saints putting it away in the last quarter. Essendon not going to win playing players like Josh Green and Craig Bird.

Luckily for us the saints have Sam Gilbert.

 

[Skipper_]

Will be an electric game with the balling zipping across the ground. Should be a ripper game but I feel St Kilda hail be able to get on top in the midfield and we will struggle a hit from there. Will be a close game but the Saints should manage to pull away.

Saints by 23.

 

[Pakenhamsaint]

Anyone heading to the game theres only standing room and single reserve seats left.

 

[Dons4days]

I hope both teams show up to play tonight because it could be a cracker of a game if they do.
My head says the Saints but I'm hoping the Dons harness the importance of this game for the sake of making finals and show up to play!

 

[aCunningPlan]

Full house, should be a belter of a game, I think the bombers can get up for this one!

 

[Xtreme]

Genuine 50/50

Will depend on which good/bad version of each team turns up tonight.

 

[gavaniacono]

Genuine 50/50

Will depend on which good/bad version of each team turns up tonight.

Thats not very extreme!

 

[Billy ray]

I hope the team in black, red and white wins

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Just have a feeling Membrey being out favours Essendon

1-39 is the play

 

[MAGA]

Carlisle in some doubt according to SEN

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Carlisle in some doubt according to SEN

Those last 3 words though...

When was the last time SEN got something right lol

 

[Skipper_]

Would lol if Jakey missed this one. But it's SEN so he's probably 100% fit.

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Saints in really good form and Bombers have a habit of getting up for big games .

Should be a cracker.

 

[Skipper_]

Would lol if Jakey missed this one. But it's SEN so he's probably 100% fit.

Also apparently no late changes so unless he got injured 2 minutes ago......

 

[JayJ20]

Toughest game of the round to call. Both teams have a huge gap between their best and worst. Think this will be an entertaining end to end game.

I just don't see our midfield perform good enough for long enough unfortunately. Unless we build an unsurmountable lead at 3-quarter time, I think St Kilda will run away with it.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Also apparently no late changes so unless he got injured 2 minutes ago......

SEN were "that" close...they are dead set hopeless

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Birdy is back this round! Jeez not sure what the point is but still good for him

 

[Daniel Flynn]

Essendon to win by 15 after saints start slow after their big win over Richmond