SUMMARY
The Saints narrowly missed last year's finals and a contributing factor was a three-point loss to the Hawks in the corresponding fixture when they were the better team on the day. That was about as poorly as the Hawks have played at their Tasmanian fortress for quite some time. They've won 19 straight games in Launceston and their thumping win over West Coast on Sunday suggests they've found their mojo once more after a bleak opening to the season. Hawthorn's backline is starting to click and the Saints don't appear to have the weapons to hurt the Hawks on the spread. This promises to be a beauty – close and tight throughout – but it is a crunch game for finals aspirant St Kilda who at 2-3 face the prospect of falling just off the pace.

WHERE AND WHEN: University of Tasmania Stadium, Saturday, April 30, 1.45pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2016, Hawthorn 13.9 (87) d St Kilda 13.6 (84) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R10, 2015, Hawthorn 20.12 (132) d St Kilda 10.9 (69) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2014, Hawthorn 27.13 (175) d St Kilda 4.6 (30) at the MCG
R20, 2013, Hawthorn 14.18 (102) d St Kilda 7.14 (56) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2012, Hawthorn 18.15 (123) d St Kilda 13.10 (88) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS

1. Hawthorn led St Kilda by five points at half-time and scores were level at three quarter-time when the sides last played. The Saints had 40 more disposals but the Hawks won the inside 50s and clearances.

2. Despite their improved performance in Round 5, the Hawks have still struggled to mark the ball inside 50, ranked 17th and  averaging only nine per game. St Kilda has been impressive in this area in averaging 14.2 per game.

3. Hawthorn has dominated St Kilda, recently, winning the past six matches, including a 145-point victory in 2014; the Saints haven't won since round 19, 2009.

4. In the first four games, the Hawks averaged only 70 points while conceding 125; in round five against West Coast they booted 19 goals to 11. Hawthorn had 30-20 scoring shots and 56-49 inside 50s.

5. The Saints haven't been a favourite of the umpires this season, ranked last for free kicks (averaging only 17.4 per game). Hawthorn is mid-table with 18.8 per game.

6. Can someone please explain how St Kilda's Shane Savage (with 373.2 points) is listed higher in the Schick AFL Player Ratings than Nick Riewoldt (366.7)? Savage - the former Hawk - was dropped from the team after Round 3.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Ben McEvoy
The former St Kilda ruckman is coming off one of his best ever games for the Hawks but will find the going tougher against Tom Hickey, who will likely return after being 'managed' against Geelong. The Hawks need McEvoy to get first hands on the footy to win this.

PREDICTION: Hawthorn by nine points