Roar Guru
The Hawthorn Hawks and the St Kilda Saints clash in Saturday afternoon AFL. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).
It was back to business for Hawthorn last Sunday, with an 11-goal thumping of Richmond at the MCG, highlighted by four classy goals by Cyril Rioli and 11 goal kickers all up.
Also noticeable was that the Hawk veteran midfielders – Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Shaun Burgoyne had some of their best matches for the year.
WATCH THIS GAME LIVE ON FOXTEL PLAY
St Kilda suffered a shock loss last week against an injury riddled Brisbane lineup. The Saints had many chances to win the game late, but didn’t have the poise to finish them.
They will be weakened this week by missing young stars Luke Dunstan, Eli Templeton and Tom Hickey. Leigh Montagna had his best match for the season and will be the key to the Saints chances.
Game changers:
Cyril Rioli had an amazing game last week against the Tigers and his mix of explosive offensive flair and intense tackling pressure will cause a handful for the Tigers defence.
Young key-forward, Jack Gunston, has been in good form recently and if he can get a bag, Hawthorn will get up.
Veteran Saint, Nick Riewoldt, had a down game last week, but his early season form has been outstanding. He needs to push up the ground and give his young defence a long target.
Billy Longer has been brought in to replace the missing Tom Hickey. Hickey has been impressive early on and Longer will need to put in a impressive performance to keep his spot in the side.
Last five meetings:
Round 20, 2013: Hawthorn 14.18 (102) d St Kilda 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium
Round 6, 2012: Hawthorn 18.15 (123) d St Kilda 13.10 (88) at the MCG
Round 8, 2011: Hawthorn 14.15 (99) d St Kilda 10.9 (69) at the MCG
Round 17, 2010: Hawthorn 13.9 (87) drew St Kilda 14.3 (87) at Etihad Stadium
Round 19, 2009: St Kilda 10.14 (74) d Hawthorn 7.7 (49) at Aurora Stadium
Prediction:
The Hawks have had a great start to the year and will steamroll a St Kilda team that is missing key players.
Hawks by 50.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).