Preview: Magpies v Saints

VENUE & TIME: MCG, 2.10pm AEST, Saturday 7 July

HEAD TO HEAD: Collingwood - 146, St Kilda – 53, Draws – 1

LAST TIME: St Kilda 19.8 (122) def Collingwood 9.9 (63) Round 14, 2006, Telstra Dome

WALKING WOUNDED: Collingwood is again set to be without Nathan Buckley (hamstring), James Clement (calf), Rhyce Shaw (hamstring) and Simon Prestigiacomo (foot) while defender Harry O'Brien (shoulder), who was a late withdrawal against Hawthorn, is a chance to return. Key forward Anthony Rocca will also be in the stands serving the second week of his two-match suspension. For the Saints, Matt Maguire (foot) and Aaron Hamill (knee) are possible inclusions after both made successful returns last week in the VFL. Defender Max Hudghton (hamstring) is set to miss 2-3 weeks while Justin Koschitzke (hamstring) is still one week away. The Saints will test Jarryd Allen (elbow) and Matthew Clarke (back) before deciding on their inclusion but Clinton Jones (collarbone) has been ruled out.

FORM: The Saints finals' aspirations appeared to be fragile before impressive wins against the Eagles and Tigers put them back on track and in the hunt for September action. After a strong away win against Sydney, Collingwood fell back to earth with a narrow loss at the hands of an impressive Hawks outfit.

WHO'S HOT: Leigh Montagna played one of his best games for the season gathering 35 disposals and kicking one goal against the Tigers while veteran Robert Harvey was at his usual high standard picking up 28 touches and six marks. For the Magpies, Irishman Martin Clarke kicked three goals against the Hawks and earned himself a Rising Star nomination while Dane Swan and Heath Shaw were also dominant.

WE THINK: The Magpies, despite not playing their best footy, came extremely close to running over the Hawks in their last start and will head into this contest as slight favourites. Given a chance to cement their hold on a top four position, Mick Malthouse will have his side ready to rebound from a tough twilight fixture. Ross Lyon has his team sitting only one game outside the top eight and with Hamill and Maguire both a strong chance to return this week, their sights are well and truly set on September. The Saints are working their way back into form but the loss of another key defender in Hudghton may be too difficult to cover. Collingwood by 15 points.