AFL Media's Dinny Navaratnam previews Carlton's clash against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Friday night:
SUMMARY
Carlton finds itself stranded on the bottom of the ladder, with two games separating the Blues and Gold Coast in 17th. Not that St Kilda has fared a lot better, having won just three matches itself. It was a particularly disappointing effort from Carlton last week, having been comfortably beaten by another lowly side in Brisbane, so expect experienced Blues such as Marc Murphy and Matthew Kreuzer to drive their side to respond. With brilliant young duo in Patrick Cripps and Charlie Curnow, the Blues have star power, but their side falls away in terms of talent very quickly. Meanwhile, the Saints have shown improved form after a dire start to the season, and going down to Port Adelaide in South Australia is nothing to be ashamed of. Their forward line has kicked more than 80 points just three times this year but Carlton has allowed more points than any other team, so that will be an intriguing aspect of the contest.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, July 13, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2017, St Kilda 12.13 (85) d Carlton 10.6 (66) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2016, St Kilda 19.8 (122) d Carlton 7.9 (51) at the MCG
R12, 2016, St Kilda 17.8 (110) d Carlton 12.6 (78) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2015, Carlton 18.13 (121) d St Kilda 12.9 (81) at Westpac Stadium
R16, 2014, Carlton 24.7 (151) d St Kilda 10.6 (66) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Saints forward Jack Billings starred last time these teams met, collecting 30 disposals, 12 marks, six inside-50s and booting five goals.
2. Carlton has fewer inside-50s this season than any other side and is ranked 16th for marks inside the arc. Meanwhile, St Kilda is equal-12th for inside-50s and equal-14th for marks inside 50.
3. St Kilda has won the past three clashes between these clubs, ending Carlton’s run of four consecutive wins in 2013-15.
4. The Saints hold a clear advantage over Carlton at Etihad Stadium, winning 14 games to seven.
5. This is the first time ever the Blues have had just one win on the board so far into a year.
6. St Kilda has two players on the cusp of the top-100 of the AFL player ratings: Jack Steele (No.101) and Jade Gresham (No.103).
