Each fighting for Wildcard contention, North Melbourne and St Kilda will play out one of the most consequential clashes of the weekend at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

The Saints fell 102-75 to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium last Thursday night, keeping them winless at the venue this century.

Rowan Marshall again shouldered the load as the sole ruck 33 disposals, two goals, 30 hitouts but Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was held to an inefficient 21 disposals in a game St Kilda never controlled.

The defeat leaves Ross Lyon's side stuck on eight wins, though the Saints remain inside the top 10 on percentage.

Meanwhile, North Melbourne could not maintain their first-half form against the Dees, coughing up a 25-point lead to go down 92-76 last Saturday.

The defeat stings more when you consider the Roos' remaining schedule; Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Geelong and Sydney loom as a gauntlet that makes Sunday essentially a must-win.

North have not beaten the Saints since Round 1, 2020. This will be an absolute cracker to close out Round 20 and we’re expecting it to go right down to the wire.

Footy fans, you don’t want to miss this one.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our North Melbourne vs St Kilda Round 20 prediction and preview below.

North Melbourne vs St Kilda Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Maybe the most interesting and crucial game of the weekend. Two Marvel Stadium tenants, two teams clinging to Wildcard dreams, two teams needing a win like never before.

The Saints are 8-10, North are 8-10. The Kangas have dropped their last three, while the Saints were ambushed by Geelong in Geelong and never threatened.

In Round 21 last season the Saints won by nine points, but both teams look very different now. The ruck clash between Xerri and Marshall is massive, while Finn O'Sullivan will attempt to emulate Oisin Mullin and clamp Nasiah the Messiah.

Win and you're alive. Lose and you'll be the focus of the Monday footy analysis and so much further from a Wildcard berth.

Head-to-head prediction: St Kilda by five points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

At $5.25 there's genuine value in the North Melbourne skipper to kick the first or second goal of the game. Nick Larkey has been down on form in recent weeks, but something tells us he'll come to the contest in this one and lead from the front when his team needs it most.

Betting tip: Nick Larkey

Most Disposals Prediction

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was kept quiet by relentless pressure of Oisin Mullin last week against the Cats.

Looking at his last five games, Nas has gone 32, 44, 46, 32, 21; which tells you everything about how his involvement can swing.

He'll be under no such pressure in this one and keen to prove he’s still the man when the whips are cracking.

Betting tip: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera anytime goal scorer, St Kilda by 1-39, Harry Sheezel 28+ disposals, Max King 2+ goals, Jack Higgins 2+ goals.

Odds are subject to change.*

North Melbourne vs St Kilda Predicted Team Lists

North Melbourne Kangaroos Predicted Team List

FB: Aidan Corr, Charlie Comben, Luke Parker

HB: Josh Goater, Caleb Daniel, Colby McKercher

C: Bailey Scott, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Dylan Stephens

HF: Charlie Spargo, Cooper Trembath, Jy Simpkin

FF: Cameron Zurhaar, Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis

FOLL: Tristan Xerri, Finn O'Sullivan, Harry Sheezel

I/C: Riley Hardeman, Tobie Travaglia, Griffin Logue, Dan Butler, Jack Darling

St Kilda Saints Predicted Team List

FB: Hunter Clark, Callum Wilkie, Jack Silvagni

HB: Ryan Byrnes, Liam Stocker, Bradley Hill

C: Liam O'Connell, Marcus Windhager, Darcy Wilson

HF: Max Hall, Mattaes Phillipou, Jack Higgins

FF: Mitch Owens, Max King, Mason Wood

FOLL: Rowan Marshall, Hugo Garcia, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera

I/C: Jacob Konstanty, Campbell Lake, Oliver Griffin, Cooper Sharman, Angus Hastie

North Melbourne vs St Kilda Match Details

Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026.

First Bounce: 3:20pm AEST

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy / Kayo Sports / Chanel 7