SUMMARY

This game pits two teams together still chasing their first victory of 2013. GWS returns to the scene of its maiden AFL win, having knocked off the Suns in Canberra in round seven last year. The Giants look an improved prospect this season and have spoken confidently about taking the fight right up to St Kilda. But the Saints can not afford to fall into an 0-3 hole. While they are winless, there were some signs of life in last Friday night's defeat to Richmond and they will be favoured to secure their first win of the year.

WHERE AND WHEN: 

Manuka Oval, Saturday, April 13, 4.40pm?

LAST TIME: 

Rd 22, 2012, St Kilda 25.13 (163) d GWS Giants 5.5 (35) at Etihad Stadium

THE SIX POINTS

1. The Giants and Saints have met just once before, in the second last round of GWS' debut season. Stephen Milne kicked five goals, Leigh Montagna picked up three Brownlow votes and the Saints strolled home by 128 points.

2. GWS made three appearances at Manuka Oval in 2012, losing to the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne and defeating the Suns for its first win in the AFL.

3. St Kilda has made one prior trip to the nation's capital for a game. In round 8, 2001, the Saints lost to North Melbourne at Manuka Oval by 49 points.

4. The young Giants will need to improve their physicality if they are to match the Saints on Saturday. In last year's match-up, St Kilda won the tackle count 62-55, total possessions 334-125, marks 125-75 and inside 50s 68-32.

5. This match will be the 30th held at Manuka Oval. The highest attendance is 14,922 in 2006 and the lowest came in 2004 when 7,222 fans showed up. New lights have also been installed at the venue.

6. GWS coach Kevin Sheedy has coached at a total of 25 different venues since 1981. He will return to Canberra twice more this season to take on Gold Coast in round five and the Bulldogs in round 15.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the author or the clubs