Ross Lyon has not downplayed the importance of beating Geelong this weekend with St Kilda currently clinging onto a finals position.
The Saints are sitting in sixth spot and are only four points clear of the 10th-place Giants. With only two rounds left to play, many results from this weekend are likely to shape the final standings.
Given their percentage, the Saints are just one win from securing an almost guaranteed finals spot. The challenge won't be easy with a clash with Geelong approaching, a side who are also just a victory away from being back in the finals seeding themselves.
Lyon spoke on the importance of their matchup this week as the Saints look to hold on to a finals spot.
"We prepare every week like it's a final," said Lyon.
"We are very process driven and we understand what's at stake, the formula and the objective is really clear, you win four points and you play finals.
"We got to focus on meeting well, training well and getting to the line fit and healthy and going again.
"We know they are a formidable opponent, reigning premiers with their backs to the wall."
The former Dockers coach didn't reveal any selection news but no major inclusions are expected.
It is hard to see St Kilda making too many changes after one of its most impressive wins of the season against Richmond. Hunter Clark was the sub against Richmond, while Ben Paton, Jack Billings and Ryan Byrnes were the other three emergencies and Anthony Caminiti was dropped.
A big night at selection looms for Geelong however as Rhys Stanley is in doubt for Saturday's must-win clash, with his groin injury to be assessed through the week, while Gary Rohan has been ruled out with a moderate hamstring complaint that could see him miss multiple weeks.
But in some good news for Geelong, star forward Tom Hawkins (hamstring) will be in the mix for a return to the line-up with a call to be made after he trains fully. Cam Guthrie could be named after it was revealed that he will either play at AFL or VFL level this weekend.
Despite all potential names currently sitting in the air, the Saints are preparing to meet with superstar defender Tom Stewart this week, who has put opposition attacks under serious pressure in recent weeks.
Lyon was asked about any potential plans to counter Stewart.
"I suppose last week it was Vlastuin. I suppose your ball movement can often take care of those guys, but he's a great player," said the St Kilda coach.
"I talk to Corey Enright all the time about his positioning and we try to teach our young guys coming through how to play like that.
"We'll put some work into him but last week we didn't really send anyone onto Vlastuin.
"We'll back our ball movement first and then when he's in your area you're gonna have to take care of him because if he dominates it's gonna be a tough day for us."
St Kilda will hope to almost secure a place in September when they meet Geelong at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night at 7:25 PM (AEST).
