St Kilda v Geelong, Marvel Stadium Saturday, March 22, 7.35pm AEDT

Last time: St Kilda 16.11 (107) d Geelong 14.5 (89), R23 2024

What it means

St Kilda has largely played down expectations heading into this season but failed to meet even the more pessimistic of hopes with an insipid first-up display against Adelaide. Coach Ross Lyon is a master of getting his players to lift when their backs are to the wall and the Saints will surely respond in some way even if they are up against a purring Cats outfit that have hit the ground running.

Geelong made an early statement that it will again be among the top-four contenders as it dismantled a disappointing Fremantle in the first of an ominous 10 games at its home fortress this year. But the Cats have a less impressive record at Marvel Stadium where they have lost their past three matches against the Saints including in their two most recent visits to the venue.

Game shapers

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was one of few shining lights as St Kilda started its season with a whimper against Adelaide while the dasher gathered 27 disposals and booted a goal. The Saints like to get the ball in the hands of one of their classiest users and while the 22-year-old can be trusted to launch counterattacks with clever kicking he could arguably be more damaging in the forward half.

Sam De Koning has finally found his place with Geelong as an athletic and agile ruck whose ability to get involved in play around the ground is as much of an asset as his size at stoppages. The 200cm defender-turned-utility is also starting to make an impact in the forward half with a goal and six inside 50s in the thumping win over Fremantle last week.