Round two of action in the AFL season is just around the corner, with Geelong preparing for a clash under the roof at Marvel Stadium against St Kilda.   

It was a brilliant start for the Cats in their season opener, piling on 23 goals as they cruised to a 78 point win over Fremantle. 

On the flip side, St Kilda went down to Adelaide in a 63 point loss to commence their 2025 campaign. 

Despite the varying results in round one, Geelong have lost their last three consecutive matches against the Saints at Marvel Stadium, something they will be looking to rectify on Saturday night. 

See the key things to keep an eye on this weekend as the Cats look to extend their winning start to the season. 

Ladder  

St Kilda: 15th (0-1) 
 
Geelong: 4th (1-0)

Points For 

St Kilda - 72

Geelong - 147

Points Against 

St Kilda - 135

Geelong - 69

Limiting Jack Macrae's Impact

In his first hit-out with the Saints, Macrae impressed through the midfield despite the result on the scoreboard. 

The former Bulldog accumulated 34 disposals, 23 contested possessions and 11 stoppage clearances, which was the most of any player in the competition in round one. 

Macrae led his team in all those categories against Adelaide, while also adding seven score involvements in a well-rounded performance. 

Geelong's midfield put in a strong showing of their own in round one, but will be looking to nullify Macrae's impact on Saturday night. 

MACRAE'S ROUND ONE STATS

Controlling the Uncontested Mark Battle

Players generally note that Marvel Stadium promotes a faster and slicker brand of football, due to the perfect conditions under the roof. 

Uncontested marks become a prominent feature in teams game plans at the venue, as they utilise the conditions and minimise mistakes in their ball movement. 

Geelong were able to control the football brilliantly in round one, taking 99 uncontested marks for the match which was nearly double the total Fremantle amassed at GMHBA Stadium. 

On the flip side, St Kilda were beaten in this statistic by Adelaide last Sunday, so look for the Cats to control this area once again on Saturday night. 

Round One - Uncontested Marks

Putting Pressure on Wanganeen-Milera

Most teams in the modern era will have a key distributor off the half back line, but not many do it better than St Kilda's Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. 

In 2024, Wanganeen-Milera averaged over 25 disposals, six marks and five rebound 50's per game, well-renowned as the designated kicker that started plenty of the Saints attacking forays. 

He took no time picking up where he left off, finishing with 27 disposals and 571 metres gained in the round one loss to Adelaide. 

Similar to the way they nullified Fremantle's Luke Ryan last week, Geelong will be looking to restrict Wanganeen-Milera's influence on Saturday night. 

Wanganeen-Milera's Round One Stats