St Kilda Saints vs Geelong Cats Predictions and Betting Tips

🏈 AFL Round 23 Match Preview

⏰ 19 August 2023 - 19:25 AEST

🏟 Stadium - Marvel Stadium

The St Kilda Saints will take on the Geelong Cats in an entertaining AFL match this Saturday 19 August at 19:25 AEST.

The game at Docklands Stadium is sure to excite all footy fans. According to AusBetSites, the Cats are tipped as favourites to claim the win at odds of $1.56 on Picklebet.

St Kilda Saints vs Geelong Cats Head-to-Head

The recent head-to-head record between the St Kilda Saints and Geelong Cats shows the Cats have had the upper hand. Over the last 3 seasons, these teams have faced each other 4 times. The Cats have won 3 of those matches while the Saints have managed just 1 win. Geelong will be looking to continue their recent dominance over St Kilda when they meet this weekend. However, the Saints will be hungry to reverse their fortunes against the Cats and score an important victory. This AFL matchup promises to be an intriguing contest between two sides with a developing rivalry.

Overall, the mirroring records show both clubs have battled inconsistency lately. But winning their last matches could provide confidence entering this high-stakes clash.

St Kilda Saints Performance

🟥🟩🟩🟥🟩 The St Kilda Saints come into this weekend's match-up against Geelong in strong recent form, having won 3 of their last 5 games. The Saints have shown promising signs in attack and defense during this stretch, putting together some consistent four-quarter performances. With momentum on their side having won their past two matches, St Kilda will be looking to carry on their winning ways against the Cats. However, they know they cannot take Geelong lightly on their home deck. The Saints will need standout showings from their on-ball brigade and backline to chalk up another victory.

Geelong Cats Performance

🟥🟩🟥🟥🟩 Meanwhile, the Geelong Cats have hit a minor stumbling block in the past couple of weeks, losing 3 of their previous 5 matches. Despite boasting a star-studded line-up, the Cats have struggled to fire cohesively and fallen short against quality opposition. However, Geelong remains a highly formidable outfit when on the song, capable of scintillating passages of play. Back playing at GMHBA Stadium this Saturday, the Cats will be eager to rediscover their best form against the Saints. Geelong will need to find a good balance up forward and greater supply to their forwards, if they are to get back on the winners, list this weekend.

This is a massive clash as the Saints and Cats jostle for finals spots with the home stretch nearing. After Round 22, St Kilda sits 8th on the ladder following their 36-point win over Richmond. Meanwhile, Geelong is just outside the eight in 11th, half a game behind the Western Bulldogs.

Against the Tigers, the Saints led from start to finish as Jack Sinclair (33 disposals), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (27) and Max King (6 goals) starred. Jade Gresham chipped in with 3 majors.

Earlier in the round, Geelong fired early against ladder leaders Collingwood but eventually went down by 8 points. Despite Jeremy Cameron's 7-goal haul and Ollie Henry's 4, the Cats faded.

The Saints seem rejuvenated lately, winning 3 of their last 4 with the only loss to red-hot Carlton. In the same period, Geelong has won just once against an undermanned Port.

📋 Players to watch:

• Zach Tuohy has averaged 26 disposals in his last 3 games against St Kilda.
• Isaac Smith has averaged 23 disposals in his last 4 matches versus the Saints.
• Jack Sinclair has recorded 25+ disposals in 8 of his past 10 games.
• Brad Crouch has averaged 29 disposals in his last 4 games against Geelong.
• Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is averaging just under 28 disposals in his past 6 matches.
• Tim Membrey has kicked 9 goals in his last 4 matches against the Cats.

These stats highlight some intriguing historical matchups and in-form players. Prolific ball-winners like Sinclair, Crouch and Wanganeen-Milera should find plenty of possessions. Meanwhile, Membrey has a strong recent goalkicking record against Geelong. With talent on both sides, this looms as a tantalizing contest.

⚡ Match Facts:

• Geelong has won 7 of its past 8 matches against St Kilda.
• The Saints sit 6th with 12 wins this AFL season, while Geelong is 11th with 10 wins and a draw.
• St Kilda ranks 1st for total disposals, with Geelong down in 16th.

These points show Geelong's recent dominance over the Saints in their head-to-head record. However, St Kilda currently holds the superior ladder position in 2022. The Saints also boast far greater distribution, leading the AFL for total disposals. If Geelong is to continue its winning ways over St Kilda, shutting down the Saints' prolific ball movement will be key.

💡 Match Prediction:

The forecast expects Geelong to have a dominant performance given their status as strong favourites playing at home. The Cats have a powerful offence capable of kicking big scores, so predicting 18 goals is reasonable. Meanwhile, St Kilda has struggled to match high-scoring teams recently, so keeping them around 11 goals fits with the forecast. Geelong's superior percentage suggests they could win by a sizable 45-point margin against the Saints this Saturday. This projected scoreline reflects Geelong's favoritism while still giving St Kilda a respectable score as they try to stay competitive against the inform Cats.

Based on recent form and historical head-to-head records, Geelong are strongly favored to defeat St Kilda this Saturday. The Cats have been assigned a 72.2% probability of winning the match, compared to just 27.8% for the Saints. The fair odds point to Geelong as comfortable favorites at $1.38, while St Kilda are outsiders at $3.60.

Given Geelong's superior percentage and their strong record at home against the Saints, the forecast is for the Cats to win by 23 points or more. St Kilda will need to produce something special to cause an upset against a Geelong outfit hungry to return to the winners list on their home patch this weekend. The Cats will be looking to control possession and create scoring opportunities, while the Saints will hope to catch Geelong on the counterattack.

St Kilda vs Geelong Cats Score Prediction: St Kilda 76 - 121 Geelong