3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2020 AFL Season.

We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.

ST KILDA V GEELONG

Monday 10 August @ the Gabba

A high quality Monday night clash awaits with two teams who are more than capable of finishing in the top four.

And sure it won't be the same standard as one of the all-time great Home & Away matches when St Kilda and Geelong produced a classic in 2009, there won't an undefeated team coming out of this one.

Anyway enough of reminiscing – we need to live in the current day and these teams have been in nice touch of late.

Even though they fell in on the Gold Coast, St Kilda did play in a quality contest against the locals where there were four massive in-game swings.

Promisingly it was more of the younger brigade that got them home. Billings, Steele, Clark, Sinclair, Wilkie etc stood up.

However two players standout for the Saints as to why they've improved significantly. Dan Butler has had a superb change in gaining his opportunity now at Moorabbin. They would not have envisaged the extent of his impact.

The other is Rowan Marshall who is developing into a top-flight ruck/forward. Admittedly this season has seen the competition's ruck stocks of great depth. When you can both ruck well and push forward it makes the rival big man accountable.

They face the Cats who are doing a good job albeit they beat up on a very weak lot in North Melbourne. That team have put the cue in the rack.

Similarly for them not having to rely on their old crew is what they need. For too long it has been Dangerfield, Sellwood and Ablett (and to some extent Duncan) and the rest just become bit part players.

But when Menegola, Fogarty and Guthrie hold up atop the possessions it allows the big names both the relaxation of pressure in-game and during this weird period of this weird season, some mental stress relief.

Another going under some radars is Tom Hawkins. Always one out up the front, he's constantly a presence and maintains a consistency where others fluctuate in performance.

This is a statement game – especially for the Saints. If they win, they consolidate their place in the ladder and if Geelong wins they take their spot in running.

The ole 8 point game has never been a truer idiom.

It should be a fine day in Brisbane and the Gabba can play fast. That suits St Kilda. Their pace through the middle and on the wings is a danger to Geelong.

Speed is not something the Cats are renowned for – well not overt speed. If you know that the Saints were right in it at half time they can run over the top. They beat Sydney with speed as they did late against Port Adelaide.

Going for the upset.

Match Selection: St Kilda by 17 points

Suggested Bets: St Kilda @ $2.50