<p>St Kilda are back at the G for the first time this season, hosting Carlton at their home ground for Friday night footy.&nbsp;</p> <p>As has become a thing in recent years, as part of the Saints' push to play more games at the MCG, they host their annual game at the home of footy, and doing so with a purpose.&nbsp;</p> <p>Along with the game of footy, Mental Health is once again on the big stage this Friday night. Yes, it is Spud’s Game. A game in tribute to the late great Danny Frawley and everything he worked for in the name of Mental Health and sharing the message that you’re never going at it alone.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Saints were certainly feeling a sense of togetherness last Friday night when they put Fremantle to the sword in a second-half blitz. Cooper Sharman’s four goals separated the game on the scoreboard while the Saints mids went head-to-head and completely blanketed Freo’s engine room and dismantled their game.</p> <p>It spells potential trouble for Carlton, who themselves were dismantled at the hands of Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval. They were cut to bits by the Crows through the middle of the ground and soundly beaten out of the middle and just had no answers for the Crows onslaught.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The Saints should regain winger Mason Wood from concussion protocols for the big clash against the Blues. They will be sweating on the fitness of youngster Mattaes Phillipou who was set to make his return to the senior side last week but was withdrawn an hour before the game after getting a corky at training.</p> <p>Whether he comes straight back into the AFL side or gets a run in the VFL remains to be seen. The man who came in for him, Tobie Travaglia spent the entire game on the bench as the unused tactical sub.</p> <p>At the Blues, they will be sweating on the fitness of key defender Jack Silvagni and his recovery from a broken knuckle that saw him miss against the Crows. Zac Williams and Matt Cottrell will also be put through their paces in a bid to be picked in the senior team.&nbsp;</p> <p>The stakes are high in this one. There’s a feeling only one of these teams, if either can fit inside the top eight at seasons end. Of course, the Blues don’t need reminding of how their last game against them ended.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Saints vs Blues prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St Kilda vs Carlton Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>St Kilda Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <p>B: Jimmy Webster, Callum Wilkie, Marcus Windhager</p> <p>HB: Jack Sinclair, Dougal Howard, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera</p> <p>C:&nbsp; Mason Wood, Jack Steele, Darcy Wilson</p> <p>HF: Hugo Garcia, Mitch Owens, Bradley Hill</p> <p>F: Cooper Sharman, Anthony Caminiti, Jack Higgins</p> <p>Foll: Rowan Marshall, Jack Macrae, Liam Stocker</p> <p>Int: Lance Collard, Hugh Boxshall, Max Hall, Liam O’Connell, Ryan Byrnes</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Carlton Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <p>B: Mitch McGovern, Jacob Weitering, Matt Carroll</p> <p>HB: Nick Haynes, Jack Silvagni, Adam Saad</p> <p>C: Blake Acres, Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh</p> <p>HF: Elijah Hollands, Charlie Curnow, Corey Durdin</p> <p>F: Jesse Motlop, Harry McKay, Will White</p> <p>Foll: Tom De Koning, George Hewett, Adam Cerra</p> <p>Int: Matt Cottrell, Lachie Cowan, Ollie Hollands, Cooper Lord, Lachie Fogarty</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St Kilda vs Carlton Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Ross Lyon has had his way with Carlton throughout his coaching career.&nbsp;</p> <p>During his time as coach of both the Saints and the Dockers, his teams have lost to the Blues only six times in 20 matches. Whatever the Blues do, Ross knows how to get it done against this team.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ross orchestrated a contested ball clinic against the Dockers, much like the way the Crows dismantled Carlton. Expect a similar style of game plan to be ordered again by the master coach.</p> <p>Furthermore, the wide expanses of the G should benefit the Saints, giving them a chance to showcase their running game and transition.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Blues will be looking to respond strongly after last week's thrashing, particularly around the ball defensively. They cannot afford to be timid and trail their opponents like they did last week; otherwise, the likes of Higgins, Sharman, Collard, Owens, and Garcia will rack up a massive score.&nbsp;</p> <p>Being at the MCG should tip the scales in favor of the Blues. However, the Saints bounced back strongly, and it’s challenging to trust Carlton at the moment because you can’t know which team will show up.&nbsp;</p> <p>There’s much more at stake for the Blues than the Saints. It’s round 9, and their season is on the line. They wouldn’t want to drop this.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/st-kilda-v-carlton-9166588">Carlton</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Jack Higgins is a safe bet here, given his goal-kicking form this season. But should he successfully pass through concussion protocols and return to play, look out for Mason Wood here.</p> <p>Two goals last time he played against the Blues, and with the Blues' tendency to leave an opposition winger alone by dragging one extra into the contest, It could leave him our wide as a prime candidate to drift forward and bob up with a mark and goal.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/st-kilda-v-carlton-9166588">Mason Wood</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Sam Walsh had an off day against the Crows. Much like the majority of his Carlton teammates.</p> <p>But the superstar midfielder has made a habit of racking up the footy against the Saints, topping the 30 disposal mark in the last three meetings with the Saints. Back in his ball-winning form, look at him to go big again.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/st-kilda-v-carlton-9166588">Sam Walsh (30 disposals)</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St Kilda vs Carlton Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, May 9th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>7:40 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>