Saints vs Lions – Round 3, 2017

St Kilda will go into Etihad Stadium on Sunday with the attitude that nothing short of four points will satisfy them.

And so they should.

After a blistering opening quarter against Melbourne, they barely saw the Sherrin for the remainder of the game before getting run over the top of in the final quarter last week against West Coast.

A spirited loss doesn’t count for anything for a team with finals hopes.

Jack Steven suffered a punctured lung last week while David Armitage is tough and go with a groin strain. Nick Riewoldt seems one week away while Daniel McKenzie is knocking on the door for a senior call-up.

Dylan Roberton has been one of the Saints’ best over the opening fortnight of the season and will look to continue his strong form this week.

Brisbane put in a stirring performance – particularly in the second half – last week against Essendon however coach Chris Fagan has said he’s in no mood for honourable losses. The Lions have had a number of youngsters who’ve impressed in the opening rounds including Eric Hipwood and Harris Andrews while Dayne Beams has been superb as captain thus far.

What’s also encouraging is the young players knocking down the door to be included in the senior side include Josh Schache and draftee Jarrod Berry while Hugh McCluggage also played in the reserves as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Brisbane could go in unchanged however Fagan will be excited at the level of talent at his disposal.

If Brisbane can combine their opening half from round one and second half from round two together, they’ll definitely give St Kilda a big scare but this game seems too big of a game for the Saints to drop.

Saints by 19.

Best On Ground

St Kilda

Brisbane