<p>The Demons make their annual pilgrimage to the Red Centre for the ‘Heart of the Nation’ game, this time welcoming St Kilda for the contest.</p> <p>Of course, the Dees want to put the memories of last year's trip as far from their minds as possible, as they were obliterated from wire to wire by Freo in a chastening performance.</p> <p>However, in just a matter of weeks, the Demons have managed to turn their season around. Livewire Kozzie Pickett delivered one of the all-time great performances as the Dees dominated against the Swans, securing a big win in what was one of their favourite sons, Christian Petracca’s 200th game.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a different story over at the Saints. They aren’t making headlines on the field, not really challenging in a loss to the Gold Coast Suns in front of just 13,000 people at Marvel Stadium. But boy, are certainly making noise off it, garnering the critical mass of clubs against them.</p> <p>Ahh, Ross, the master deflector. Please never change!</p> <p>The Dees can take another big leap to get closer to the top eight and level the ledger with a win here, while the Saints need to secure victories to avoid losing touch with the chasing pack as their season slips away.</p> <p>On the selection front, the Dees will be forced into at least one change, as forward Charlie Spargo faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with a shoulder blade fracture. Bailey Laurie could be the one to come in after a dominant display in the VFL.</p> <p>There were some good performers for Casey over the weekend, but Simon Goodwin has found a method, particularly ahead of the ball, that works.</p> <p>The Saints won’t get any relief on the injury front, but Ross Lyon might make some changes after a disappointing showing against the Suns. Darcy Wilson became Ross’ third rage-sub of the season and could find himself out of the side.&nbsp;</p> <p>Youngster Hugo Garcia stepped up with a strong game for Sandringham. Former Blue Jack Carroll is also closing in on his first game at his new club after kicking two goals from his 28 touches against the Suns in the VFL.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Swans vs Crows prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs St Kilda Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Jake Bowey, Steven May, Christian Salem</p> <p>HB: Trent Rivers, Jake Lever, Judd McVee</p> <p>C: Harry Sharp, Harvey Langford, Ed Langdon</p> <p>HF: Kade Chandler, Aidan Johnson, Xavier Lindsay&nbsp;</p> <p>F: Bayley Fritsch, Jake Melksham, Kysaiah Pickett</p> <p>Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca</p> <p>Int: Daniel Turner, Harry Petty, Bailey Laurie, Tom Sparrow, Caleb Windsor</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>St Kilda Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Liam O’Connell, Callum Wilkie, Ryan Byrnes</p> <p>HB: Marcus Windhager, Jimmy Webster, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera</p> <p>C: Mason Wood, Jack Sinclair, Brad Hill</p> <p>HF: Jack Higgins, Mitch Owens, Mattaes Phillipou</p> <p>F: Cooper Sharman, Isaac Keeler, Anthony Caminiti</p> <p>Foll: Rowan Marshall, Zak Jones, Jack Steele</p> <p>Int: Tobie Travaglia, Max Hall, Hugo Garcia, Hunter Clark, Hugh Boxshall</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs St Kilda Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Dees have dominated the recent head-to-head against the Saints, winning seven of the past 10 matches.</p> <p>One of those wins has come up in Alice Springs, but despite being the only club to regularly host ‘home’ games at the venue these days, the Dees have a losing record at their Territory-based home, only winning four of the ten matches they have played up there.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Demons have even found a nice balance between playing safe with the ball in hand and an aggressive attack as they piled on their highest score for more than two years against the Swans.</p> <p>On the flip side, the Saints have struggled to find the balance between defence and attack, failing to reach 100 points in a game since their Round Three win over Richmond.</p> <p>The Dees' turnaround has been exceptional and the Saints' slide has been swift. The only thing we should be surprised about here is that Ross Lyon tries to pick the topic of conversation when he diverts too much while speaking post-game.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-st-kilda-9229221">Demons</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Kozzie Pickett has been in rare form as of late. After one of the more dominant best-on-ground performances you’ll ever see against the Swans, franking the career-best form the Dees star finds himself in, He’s leading his side back up the ladder.</p> <p>With a six-goal haul already under his belt in Alice Springs, he’s our pick to get on the scoreboard first.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-st-kilda-9229221">Kozzie Pickett</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Last week, Swans stopper James Jordon was sent to Jake Bowey, in what can only be interpreted as a sign of respect as to how much the young Dees star has come on this season.</p> <p>He was well held to 17 touches, well below his average for this season. We’re looking at him to top the charts in this one.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-st-kilda-9229221">Jake Bowey 25+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Demons vs St Kilda Saints Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Sunday, June 1st</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>3:20 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>