St Kilda Saints vs Sydney Swans Prediction - Round 18 2025

Do the Swans have a pulse?

Kind of, it’s very faint and needs absolutely everything to go right from here, but they somehow remain a puncher's chance of making the finals from here. 

It would seem unlikely that they could. They would have to win every game they play from here and get lucky with some results around them. But if we’ve learnt one thing over time, it’s to never write off the Sydney Swans.

They got over Fremantle last week at home to further fuel the late-season surge and instill some belief that they can indeed make a late charge. Despite losing some important pieces throughout the game.

They come to Melbourne to face a St Kilda side that isn’t going too well, but the trip to Marvel to play them has always been a ‘banana peel’ game for the Swans. Even when they were totally flying. 

The Saints lost again on the weekend, but for the second week running, put up a gallant display against a finals hopeful without getting across the line.

They’ve certainly used this chance to explore and find out about some of their young players, haven’t they got some players for the future? Max Hall, Alix Tauru.. They’re certainly leaving an impression. 

Can the Swans take a step closer to bridging the gap? Or can the Saints put a couple of weeks of good but not close enough performances together and get over a team that they’ve had a knack of beating in recent years?

On a selection front, Key defender Zaine Cordy is on track to be available for the first time in three months after recovering from a ruptured pec, while Paddy Dow is building towards an AFL return after another fruitful hitout for Sandy in his comeback from a knee issue. Youngster Hugh Boxshall also has a chance to come back in. 

At the Swans, they will need to make two forced changes with Joel Amartey and Tom Papley re-injuring themselves in the win over Freo. The Papley injury opens the door for a potential debutant in Jesse Dattoli, who has played well at VFL level after a delayed start to his first season. Veteran Dane Rampe will put his calf through a fitness test, while Caiden Cleary and Corey Warner performed strongly at VFL level and are options to come in

For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Saints vs Swans prediction and preview below. 

 

St Kilda vs Sydney Predicted Teams

 

St Kilda Predicted Team List

B: Liam Stocker, Anthony Caminiti, Alix Tauru

HB: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Callum Wilkie, Jack Sinclair

C: Darcy Wilson, Hugo Garcia, Bradley Hill

HF: Mason Wood, Mitch Owens, Jack Higgins

F: Liam Henry, Cooper Sharman, Max Hall

Foll: Rowan Marshall, Jack Steele, Jack Macrae

Int: Hugh Boxshall, Marcus Windhager, Hunter Clark, Angus Hastie, Dan Butler

 

Sydney Predicted Team List

B: Sam Wicks, Lewis Melican, Tom McCartin

HB: Harry Cunningham, Nick Blakey, Callum Mills

C: Jake Lloyd, Chad Warner, Erroll Gulden

HF: Justin McInerney, Hayden McLean, Braeden Campbell

F: Will Hayward, Jack Buller, Jesse Dattoli

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon

Int: Angus Sheldrick, James Rowbottom, Joel Hamling, Corey Warner, Matt Roberts

 

St Kilda vs Sydney Prediction & Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

 

The Saints have won the past two against the Swans and hold sway in the recent head-to-head with three out of the past five matches.

Over the past five weeks, the Swans have been the eighth-best overall profile in the competition and have risen to a season-high fifth ranking in ball movement. It sure does help when you get your best two-way runner and connector in Erroll Gulden, back in the team from injury.

Brodie Grundy is in sensational form and is taking quality scalps everywhere. Including last week against the dual threat of Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson. Coming up against Rowan Marshall this week won’t be a walk in the park, but with the form he’s in, if he gains the ascendancy from the middle, it should go the Swans' way.

We wouldn’t be surprised if the Saints win here, because that's what they seem to do against the Swans, but we’re backing the Swans here because… well, we want the finals race to stay interesting. 

Betting tip: Swans

 

First Goal Prediction

 

Max Hall is one of the most in-form players in the competition. The 23-year-old has leapfrogged some of the game's biggest names to be Champion Data’s top-ranked player in the league over the last month. 

We’re tipping him to continue the good form with the first goal of the day. 

Betting tip: Max Hall 

 

Most Disposals Prediction

 

‘Ohhhhh Errolll… we would have done anything to have you back earlier,” the Swans fans would have been singing.

If he hadn’t missed any footy, who knows what the fortunes of the Swans might have been this season? Now that he’s back, he’s putting his side on his shoulders again. 

He hasn’t missed a beat since returning. We’re backing him for a big day in perfect conditions under the roof. 

Betting tip: Errol Gulden 30+ disposals 

 

St Kilda Saints vs Sydney Swans Match Details

 

Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025

First Bounce: 3:15pm AEST

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne 

How to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports