Round 13 of the 2024 AFL season is here.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is having an excellent 2024 season and is flying under the radar as he records career-high performances.
The 21-year-old is averaging 25.8 disposals and was a key component in the Saints' 14-point win last week against West Coast. The defender was electric off half-back and managed 24 disposals, seven rebound 50s and 618 metres gained.
This weekend when the Saints take on Gold Coast, the 21-year-old might again fly under the radar and is expected to tally up another high disposal count, and with his exceptional ball movement and pace, will be a significant threat to the Suns.
If Gold Coast don't treat the third-year player with respect, Wanganeen-Milera will cause serious problems and make it very difficult for the Suns to score.
Also, if the young Saint keeps performing the way he is, it won't be long till Ross Lyon may consider moving him into the midfield.
Kysaiah Pickett needs to step up. He has had an average start to the season but the forward is known for his match-winning forward craft. Though the Pickett everyone knows has been lacking in recent weeks.
Pickett has only kicked 15 goals this season and has only managed three goals in the past four games. The 23-year-old needs to have a better game and put on a performance that he is capable of, with his elite forward pressure and ability to have a strong scoreboard presence, this weekend.
After Melbourne's 92-point loss to Fremantle they are now out of the top eight. Monday is a massive clash for the Dees and they require Pickett to step up and have a huge game on what will be on a big stage.
All eyes will be on Brayden Maynard when his side faces Melbourne for a huge King's Birthday clash.
The last time the Pies and Dees clashed was last year during the qualifying final. The game was heated and exhilarating. In the first quarter, Maynard crashed into Angus Brayshaw, causing Brayshaw to be knocked out and suffer his sixth major concussion. This head knock ultimately forced Brayshaw to retire in February this year.
All eyes will be on Maynard on Monday afternoon at the 'G and what the response will be from the Dees, as there is no doubt the Melbourne players will get into the defender early on, with some revenge and anger still from last year.
However, Melbourne's captain Max Gawn said they have put the incident behind them and the rivalry between these two clubs is not fuelled by last year's qualifying final incident.
Though it's difficult to not expect there won't be some sort of confrontation between the Dees and Maynard, all eyes will be on Maynard and how Melbourne goes about it.
The biggest matchup this weekend will be between twin brothers Harry and Ben McKay. They are expected to play against each other for the first time but also most likely will line up against each other.
The pair have never played against each other despite ten opportunities over the past eight years, with one of them out due to injury or suspension.
However, on Sunday evening, the time has arrived when the twins will play against each other for the first time and most likely even be playing on each other.
This is a much-watched matchup. With both players in great form this season, all focus will be on this battle and who will win the sibling bragging rights.
Mason Wood could have a new role this weekend when the Saints take on Gold Coast. After an impressive game last week, playing a lot of time in attack kicking four goals, Ross Lyon may consider playing the midfielder in a more forward role this week.
The 30-year-old has spent most of his career on the wing but after his performance last week, could Wood's new role be playing forward for St Kilda?
This week with St Kilda hosting the Suns, will Wood have a new role that sees him shift from his usual wing position and play more forward?
Tim Taranto will return this week on Thursday night when the Tigers travel to South Australia to face the Crows.
Taranto has been out injured since Round 4 after fracturing his wrist which required him to have surgery. The 26-year-old has had two months on the sidelines, so he will be eager to return Thursday night.
The midfielder is a huge in for the Tigers and he will be joined by teammates, Shai Bolton and Dion Prestia, who also return this week.
Taranto is an influential player for the Tigers and it will be a huge relief for coach Adem Yze to have an experienced player return as they face another hard battle when they travel to take on the Crows at home.