Qualifying Final Preview: St Kilda v Collingwood

The honours have been shared in the past four clashes between these two sides. St Kilda snapped a two-game losing streak with a solid 47-point win over bottom side Melbourne at the MCG last Sunday. The victory saw them become just the fourth club to win at least 20 games in a season since the 22-round season was introduced in 1970.

They also conceded the least amount of points ever by any side in a 22-game season. Collingwood has lost just two of its past 14 matches – the most recent a 24-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in round 22 which saw them lose third spot on percentage to the Dogs.

MEDICAL ROOM: St Kilda welcomes back ruckman Michael Gardiner from a hamstring injury but defender Matt Maguire (hamstring) remains unavailable. Paul Cahill (ankle) and Xavier Clarke (knee) are out for the season while Jarryd Allen was forced into early retirement due to an ongoing hip injury. For the Magpies, classy midfielder Scott Pendelbury and utility Leigh Brown return from a back injury and illness respectively. Untried youngster Tristan Francis (groin) is the only player on the Pies’ injury list.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Ben Johnson vs. Nick Dal Santo

Dal Santo was infleuntial in his side’s 88-point win over Collingwood in round seven with a game-high 38 possessions and four inside 50’s.

The 25-year-old is damaging with his ability to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clean use of the football.

Limiting his influence will be a key for the Magpies if they are going to contain a powerful St Kilda forward line.

Johnson has been given some big run with roles this season and will be given the job on Dal Santo in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this contest.

The Collingwood veteran will need to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters and deny Dal Santo any time or space in which to work in otherwise he will cut the Pies to shreds with his sublime skills.

Harry O’Brien vs. Nick Riewoldt

Riewoldt played a key role in the Saints’ win over the Magpies earlier in the season with 17 disposals, 11 marks and five goals.

If Collingwood is going to have any hope of securing a preliminary final berth they will need to quell the influence of the St Kilda skipper who collected 20 possessions and booted five majors in a semi-final against the Magpies last year.

O’Brien has the athletic capabilities to run with Riewoldt and is also capable of going with him in the air so you would expect him to be given first crack at the Saints star.

If O’Brien is going to have any chance of winning his duel with Riewoldt who is virtually unstoppable on the lead he will need his teammates to suffocate St Kilda’s midfield with their tackling pressure.

Zac Dawson vs. Anthony Rocca

Rocca returns to the side for just his fourth match of 2009 and will be keen to repay the faith shown in him by coach Mick Malthouse.

However, his task won’t be an easy one as he will be matched up by Dawson who kept Rocca to just one goal when these two sides met earlier in the year.

Collingwood doesn’t need Rocca to kick a bag but is important that he creates a contest and doesn’t go to ground otherwise the Magpies will be punished on the rebound.

It is vital for Rocca that he gets his hands on the football early to get his confidence up.

Clinton Jones vs. Dane Swan

Swan has been instrumental in Collingwood’s success this season, averaging just under 32 possessions per game.

The Magpies midfielder is ranked first in the AFL for total kicks and disposals, third for total inside 50’s and fourth for total goal assists.

Shutting down the drive Swan provides through the middle of the ground will be a key for the Saints if they are going to contain the Pies’ multi-pronged attack.

Jones has claimed several big scalps this year and will be keen to add Swan to his list on Sunday.

Swan will need to run hard all day if he is going to have any hope of having an influence on the outcome of the contest as Jones will apply relentless pressure and make him earn every possession.

VERDICT: Although St Kilda were convincing winners in the clash between these two teams earlier in the season the Magpies actually won the clearances and had the same number of entries inside 50 – they just didn’t have the class up forward to capitalise with John Anthony, Alan Didak, Paul Medhurst and Leon Davis all missing from the side. If the Pies are able to at least break even at the stoppages they are more than capable of kicking a winning score against a Saints’ defence that has shown signs of vulnerability in recent weeks.

Magpies by 15 points.

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