AFL / Andy Morris / 15 May 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

The Saints are coming off a loss against Carlton. They were outclassed and outmatched by the more aggressive team.

St Kilda lost by a whopping 61 points. In their last five games, St Kilda has won three of their last five matches. On the other side of the field, the Bombers have lost three of their last five games. They too have lost in their last outing. Port Adelaide barely beat the Bombers last week. Head to head the Bombers have dominated the Saints. Out of the 202 meetings against each other, Essendon has won 105 games compared to the 63 won by the Saints. Both teams have drawn only four times. The last time they played each other, the Bombers inched past the Saints, 16.14 (110) to 16.12 (108).

The key player for St Kilda will definitely be Lenny Hayes. Hayes collected 29 disposals, which was impressive because it was against Chris Judd. The Saints will also need Brendan Goddard to step up his game. Goddard is the x-factor. If he plays well this Sunday expect a Saints victory.

Essendon's Jobe Watson is having another career season. Against the power, he collected 31 disposals. Like the Saints, the Bombers also have an x-factor. If Nathan Lovett-Murray plays great and doesn't fatigue late, the Bombers will prevail.

St Kilda will have to play without captain Nick Riewoldt. Riewoldt injured his hamstring during their win against Collingwood in Round 3. Ruckman Steven King will also miss the game due to an injured hamstring. If I were one of the Saints, I'd take better care of my hamstring.

The Bombers Michael Hurley will have to pass a fitness test to play against the Saints. He tweaked his knee early in the season. It is certain that Darcy Daniher will miss Sunday's game for Essendon. Kyle Reimers and Tayte Pears will also be unavailable for the Bombers.

Will the Bombers execute their fast-paced game to perfection against the Saints? Or will the Saints control the tempo for the victory?