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St Kilda Saints vs Gold Coast Suns: AFL live scores, blog

8th April, 2012
Teams

St Kilda

B: Jarryn Geary, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake
HB: Jamie Cripps, Sam Fisher, Sean Dempster
C: Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard
HF: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Terry Milera
F: Stephen Milne, Justin Koschitzke, Rhys Stanley
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Clinton Jones, Leigh Montagna
I/C: David Armitage, Tom Simpkin, Tom Ledger, Jack Newnes
Emg: Farren Ray, Nicholas Winmar, Beau Wilkes

Gold Coast Suns

B: Jarrod Harbrow, Matthew Warnock, Jeremy Taylor
HB: Maverick Weller, Steven May, Jared Brennan
C: Matt Shaw, David Swallow, Dion Prestia
HF: Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Aaron Hall
F: Campbell Brown, Tom Hickey, Brandon Matera
Foll: Zac Smith, Michael Rischitelli, Gary Ablett
I/C: Karmichael Hunt, Luke Russell, Trent McKenzie, Josh Caddy
Emg: Josh Fraser, Liam Patrick, Alex Sexton

First Bounce: 4.40pm AEST
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Last Time: Gold Coast 6.18 (54) lost to St Kilda 10.14 (74)
Betting: $1.05 St Kilda, $12 Gold Coast Suns
TV: Fox Footy (LIVE)
Expert
8th April, 2012
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Today’s match sees a clash between St Kilda and Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium, with both sides determined to win some respect after mediocre round one performances. Join us for live scores and commentary from 4.40pm AEST.

If there were any doubts about whether the Saints time as a top four and premiership contender was over, they were dispelled last Sunday in an abject display against Port at AAMI Stadium.

The Power put in a spirited effort and deserved their victory on heart alone, but it was telling that St Kilda weren’t able to capitalize on the many skill errors of their opposition.

The limitations of the bottom end of the Saints side have been well documented, and they were on display again last week.

There were no issues with the efforts and skills of Goddard, Fisher, Riewoldt, and Dal Santo, while Lenny Hayes made a solid return from a knee reconstruction.

It was also no surprise to see first-gamer Terry Milera provide a spark as he roamed from half forward to half back, collecting 17 possessions and a goal for his troubles.

But there were many strugglers who failed to perform to AFL standard.

Coach Scott Watters clearly agreed and was keen to send a message, dropping the ‘been there, done that’ duo of Farren Ray and Brett Peake, while Dean Polo must also have been on the block, but was suspended in any case.

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Brought in has been the freshest of blood in Tom Simpkin and Tom Ledger, who have played two games each, and Jack Newnes for his debut.

The three ‘outs’ have played a combined 334 games as journeymen, averaging 14 matches a season over several clubs, and every St Kilda fan knows that they must all be consigned to the scrapheap as relics from the past.

When it comes to the past, Gold Coast doesn’t really have one. Where the Saints have long been lacking in brightness, verve and vitality, and are desperately trying to inject some, the Suns have plenty of each in abundance.

Unfortunately, they could also do with some of St Kilda’s renowned dourness, and their lack of defensive pressure and efforts has seen some heat turned coach Guy McKenna’s way this week.

Adelaide did as they liked up at Metricon Stadium last Saturday against the Suns, recording round highs for inside 50’s (73), scoring shots (42) , and total score (19.23.137).

Gold Coast needs to be harder to play against than the currently are, get their hands dirtier and band together to help Gary Ablett, Jared Brennan and Michael Rischitelli out.

Harley Bennell was impressive and has a bright future and there is much to like about Aaron Hall and Josh Caddy from the brief glimpses we’ve seen, but this trio only laid three tackles between them last week, and need to raise the defensive side of their game.

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In predicting the outcome of today’s match, a comfortable St Kilda victory is unavoidable. They will be keen to get their season back on track in emphatic fashion, and re-energize with some dash and flair against an inexperienced side.

Brendan Goddard and Nick Dal Santo have fond memories from 2011 of collecting 37 and 39 disposals respectively against the Suns, and will be hoping for a repeat.

Gold Coast will be looking to be a bit grittier around the ball and take some bodies with them. Look for Campbell Brown to lead the way in this regard.

The Saints only won by 20 points in this fixture last year, but that was away and this is at home with a statement to be made. Look for them to triple it, and coast to a 60 point victory.

Join me here on The Roar and offer up any questions or comments you may have during the live blog, which begins shortly before the first bounce at 4.40pm AEST.

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