The Saints had a start to the season that could only be described as disappointing by their standards.

Before the bye last week, they'd won three of their past five and while finals still look a long way off, they have taken some positive steps prevailing against Melbourne, the Bulldogs and Fremantle.

Like North Melbourne, St Kilda look likely to be in a log jam of teams fighting for a prized spot in the eight.

While the Saints have become more attacking this season, they've still struggled to put big scores on the board.

Only twice this year Ross Lyon's men have scored 15 goals, while North Melbourne has achieved that feat in each of its last four wins.

Sam Fisher, Zac Dawson and James Gwilt are all more than capable in defence, but will they be able to stop a forward line with the likes of Petrie, Edwards and this year's revelation Pedersen?

He won't be appearing in this column very often but Andrew Swallow had a rare quiet game against the Power.

It says a lot for his brilliant season too when 14 possessions and nine tackles is considered below par.

Swallow has copped plenty of attention from opposition taggers this year but his athleticism and brilliance in the middle could prove too much for the Saints' taggers.

The St Kilda captain has had a difficult time of it this year with opponents putting an even greater emphasis on shutting him out of the game.

Poor delivery hasn't helped either and while workrate has stayed at its high standard, the Saints may have too much reliance on their power-forward and captain.

With seven Brownlow votes in his last three games against North, he's sure to be a key factor again.

Injuries have prevented Campbell from reaching the peaks of his 2008 season in recent years, but with two games under his belt at VFL level, he edges closer to a return.

With Sam Wright out, the lively forward looms as a dangerous option under the feet of Petrie and Edwards and he's previously combined well with Lindsay Thomas.

The Saints will be without Justin Koschitzke due to suspension and it could be the perfect opportunity for Will Johnson to shine.

The 191cm big man was drafted as key-defender, but having kicked 21 goals in the VFL this season has the ability to present another target alongside Nick Riewoldt in a forward post.