St Kilda powered through the season with the loss to Essendon and Melbourne the only hiccups in an ominous season. The Magpies are undermanned and have brough back Rocca for only his 3rd game of the season, their midfield is also depleted.
This image summed up the game, Three St Kilda forwards converging on the ball as Nick Riewoldt wraps up Collingwood interchange player, John McCarthy (3) playing only his 8th senior game in a "RagDoll" tackle. slinging him to the ground. as Milne (l) and Koschitzke (r) prepare to pounce on any loose ball.
St Kilda's forward strategy in operation, from left Stephen Milne holds Magpie, Tarkyn Lockyer out of the contest, Justin Koschitzke gets some air, with eyes only for the ball, with a courageous Leon Davis backing into the mark, waiting to get crunched as Justin hits him with force. Alan Toovey (34) obcures the third Saint player in the contest.