St Kilda have got their second win on the trot after beating Collingwood in an end-to-end, low-scoring encounter under the roof of Etihad Stadium.
Final score
Collingwood Magpies 55
St Kilda Saints 69
In the first of two Sunday afternoon games the Collingwood Magpies will take on the St Kilda Saints under the roof of Etihad Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores from the game and a live blog of the match, starting from 3:20pm AEST.
Both the Magpies and the Saints are coming off their first wins of the season last week with the Magpies being too strong for a weakened Swans side and the Saints being a class above a young Lions team.
Collingwood’s win against Sydney was well earned after two good efforts against the Dogs and the Tigers.
The Saints were scrappy and unconvincing but were able to get the job done against the Lions.
This season is a make or break season for Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley who has to take his side into the finals otherwise he is likely to lose his job.
The Saints are still rebuilding but should be looking for a top eight finish this season, anything less would be considered a fail.
The Pies have welcomed back exciting forward Jamie Elliott who is playing his first game since 2015 after multiple injuries including a nasty back injury. Elliott has replaced Chris Mayne who has disappointed in his first three games for the Pies.
The Saints have made two changes bringing in experienced midfielder David Armitage and debutant Ben Long. The pair has replaced former number one pick Paddy McCartin who has disappointed so far this season as well as former Hawk Shane Savage who is in a poor patch of form.
The Magpies have a really strong midfield with the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom and Taylor Adams, and should better the Saints midfield which played well last weekend.
The Saints will beat the Pies in their forward line with Nick Riewoldt getting better with age as well as Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey. This forward line should cause headaches for a less experienced Collingwood backline.
Prediction
This should be a really good game with both sides looking to build on last weeks wins. The Magpies have looked the better side so far this year and should get over the line for their second win of the season.
Magpies by 10 points.
Join The Roar for live scores from the game and a live blog of the match, starting from 3:20pm AEST.
peter wolf
Guest
We were woeful The Pies and once again our non-existent forward line
FreoFan
Roar Rookie
The Pies looked like they had nothing left in the tank at the beginning of the last quarter. Almost disinterested! Where was the fight they showed last week against Sydney?
Raimond
Roar Guru
Collingwood $1.73 This is why being the bookies' favourite is often meaningless.
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
FT Oh When the Saints! The Saints end up with a reasonably comfortable 14 point win thanks to dominating the premiership quarter. They hold out a gallant Collingwood team who have only one win for the season with the pressure building on Bucks. The Saints main contributors were Dylan Roberton (32 disposals and 12 marks), Nick Riewoldt (22 touches and 12 marks) and Jack Newnes (32 disposals and 8 marks). For the Pies, their main contributors were Brodie Grundy (21 touches and 37 hit outs), Steele Sidebottom (31 disposals and 7 marks) and Taylor Adams (39 touches and 3 tackles. Thanks for joining The Roars live blog of St Kilda and Collingwood. Final Scores Collingwood: 7.13.55 St Kilda: 9.15.69
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Fasolo has a wild snap at goal from the goal square and it hits the post. Saints by 14. 20 seconds left.
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Pendlebury gives the ball off to Hoskin-Elliott who goes for goal from 45m out and misses to the far side. Saints by 15
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
The big backman Schade finds himself in the forward line, he kicks the ball from outside 50 and it goes through the big sticks for his first career goal. Saints by 16
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Treloar runs out of the middle and has a shot at goal from just outside 50 and misses. Saints by 22
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Riewoldt kicks it to a pack inside 50 where Membrey marks, goes back and converts. Pies: 6.10.46 Saints: 9.15.69
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Montagna taps the ball through for a Collingwood behind. Saints by 17
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Hoskin-Elliott cuts the lead to three after great build up play by the Pies. 7 minutes left. Saints by 3 goals
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Gilbert has a wild shot at goal and it sprays out of bounds of the ball. Saints by 4 goals
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Jack Steele gets a set shot at goal from 45m out, he kicks it to the near side for a behind. Saints by 4 goals
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Ross trots inside 50 and has a ping at goal but he misses horribly just sneaking it through for a minor score. Pies: 5.9.39 Saints: 8.14.62
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Gresham rushes a snap kick inside 50 where Riewoldt marks in front of Schade. He kicks from 45 and pulls it massively kicking if out on the full. Saints by 22
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Elliott hits up Fasolo on the lead and takes the grab. He lines up but misses to the right side. Saints lead by 22
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Roberton kicks it inside 50 intending for Bruce but it is taken by a diving Riewoldt who kicks from just inside 50 but it is rushed through for a behind on the goal line. Saints by 23
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
The final quarter is underway.
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
3QT Saints dominate the third quarter and go into the final break with a 22 point lead. The Pies buckled under pressure and the Saints capitalised on their opportunities. The Saints have 14 more inside 50s today and this has shown on the scoreboard. The final quarter will show if the Saints will run out of puff or cam the the Pies find another gear. Pies: 5.8.38 Saints: 8.12.60
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
Weller gives off the hands to Billings who kicks from 35 but kicks another behind. Saints by 22 Pies: 5.8.38 Saints: 8.12.60