North Melbourne will challenge the Saints on Sunday afternoon as it continues its search for a third win this season.

The Roos will return to Marvel Stadium in Round 18 following an eight-goal defeat to Hawthorn, while St Kilda will be eager to keep its top-eight chances alive after falling to the Suns by 26 points.

Here's everything you need to know for the match in this week's gameday guide.

Set your matchday reminders

Sunday, July 23
St Kilda v North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, 4.40pm AEST

Sunday will mark the second time this season that the Kangaroos and Saints will square off, with the previous meeting back in Round 8 going St Kilda's way 8.16 (64) to 4.10 (34). While interim coach Brett Ratten's group currently sits 17th, St Kilda finds itself in a ladder logjam and could be situated outside of the top eight before Sunday's game arrives.

So you don't miss the game, or any others this season, make sure to sync the fixture to your calendar.

Ticketing

You can purchase tickets for the game here, and don't forget, kids go free!

Round 19 is also a replacement game for members. Head here for more information.

Be a part of history as we target beyond 50k members in 2023

The Kangaroos' journey continues in 2023, and we're looking to surpass last year's club record 50,000 members as the team continues its path towards silverware.

Joining up as a member is a great way to support not only the AFL team, but the entire football club.

Watch on TV or stream on your phone

Sunday's game will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.

Stay connected on social media

For behind-the-scenes access and all the best highlights, photos, stats and stories, we’ve got you covered.
 
Follow the @NMFCOfficial accounts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with everything happening at the match and don't forget to use #Kangas.
 
Bring on the Saints!

North Melbourne will face another tough task on Sunday when it plays the sixth-placed Saints at Marvel Stadium.

The Roos were in the fight against the Hawks in Round 18 following a three-goal-to-none second quarter, but the visitors proved too strong after the main change, running away with a 48-point win.

On the Gold Coast, St Kilda struggled to trouble the Suns, but will be itching to return to form and the winners list.

The opposition

The Saints made a bright start to 2023 but have dipped in form, losing four of their past five matches.

Their 26-point defeat to the Suns in Round 18 was arguably the worst of those losses, as St Kilda failed to match Gold Coast's intensity and quick movement at Heritage Bank Stadium.

However Ross Lyon's side remains on track for a September berth, sitting inside the eight on percentage with a 9-8 record.

The defensive pairing of Callum Wilkie and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera presents a challenge for interim coach Brett Ratten's group, given the former's intercepting prowess and the latter's ability to impact on the rebound.

Tricky small forward Jack Higgins could return to the line-up after recovering from a knee injury. He booted two goals from 16 touches last time the clubs met.

Running hot

It's been another strong stretch of performances from Bailey Scott, who will enter Marvel Stadium following a season-high 34-disposal game against the Hawks last Sunday.

Along with his game-high possession haul, North Melbourne's No.8 tallied nine rebounds and a season-high eight marks, reflecting the immense workrate the 23-year-old has developed.

Going at 20.9 disposals per game this year – five more than his career average – and having a greater impact on matches, Scott could be on course for a maiden best and fairest award after clinching third place in 2022.

What the coaches have said

Interim North Melbourne coach Brett Ratten on Wednesday: "You look at St Kilda and they're sixth and finals bound and we're 17th, so we've got our work cut out for us. Their list is pretty strong and their expectations have always been to play finals, and they've added to their list with (Mattaes) Phillipou through the draft so they've gotten even stronger. It’s a huge challenge for us."

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon on Wednesday: "They really challenged us last time and there’s a lot of noise around Clarko (Alastair Clarkson) coming back and Brett (Ratten) being there having been the senior coach here, but it all means nothing come game day."

Last time we met

North Melbourne 4.10 (34) def. by St Kilda 8.16 (64), Round 8, 2023 at Marvel Stadium 

It was a scrappy affair when the two clubs met back in Round 8 this season, with St Kilda's 8.16 being enough in front of goal to trump North Melbourne's 4.10.

A slow start for the Kangaroos saw them fail to kick a major in the first half, but Nick Larkey eventually broke the drought in the third term, booting three goals to inject some life into his side.

The Saints hit back though, and ultimately held the Roos at bay off the back of their work around centre bounces and stoppages.

Jack Ziebell racked up 36 disposals and 18 marks, while Harry Sheezel (30 disposals, 488 metres gained) and Ben McKay (10 marks, 10 intercept possessions) also impressed.

North Melbourne has provided one of its best performances of the season at Marvel Stadium, but it wasn't enough to knock off St Kilda as it fell in a tight tussle 9.15 (69) to 9.7 (61).

The Kangaroos led at half-time and three-quarter time on Sunday evening, a welcomed sight in what has been a disappointing season so far, but an avalanche of Saints goals in the final term saw the home side claim a hard-earned eight-point win.

The dagger came when small St Kilda forward Jack Higgins pounced on a loose ball and opportunistically snuck one home by kicking the ball out of the air at the top of the goalsquare.

The defeat leaves interim coach Brett Ratten's group with 16 straight losses, while St Kilda jumps back into the top eight to end the week.

The loss was no fault of star North Melbourne on-baller Luke Davies-Uniacke, who was best afield with 33 possessions, 23 of them contested, and 12 clearances.

SAINTS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Saints captain Jack Steele also racked up 33 disposals and put his side in front 12 minutes into the last term when he intercepted a clearing kick from Kangaroos defender Paul Curtis.

That crucial play typified the turnover-laden match, with neither side able to build momentum thanks to a succession of handling errors.

After trailing at quarter-time, North Melbourne built a two-goal lead at the main break and looked more likely to win as they kicked two goals to one in the third term.

However, the Saints quickly kicked the first two goals of the final term and the Roos were unable to curb their momentum.

Tarryn Thomas and Nick Larkey kicked three goals apiece for North Melbourne, while Mitch Owens and Jack Higgins had two for St Kilda.

Saints speedster Bradley Hill went to hospital with chest pain after a heavy bump from Aidan Corr in the first quarter.

North Melbourne youngster Charlie Lazzaro was a late withdrawal with back tightness and Daniel Howe took his place.

Centre bounce improvements 
After finishing behind in centre bounce clearances against the Cats in Round 17 (-16) and the Hawks in Round 18 (-5), North Melbourne flipped the script against the Saints. Led by the determined Luke Davies-Uniacke, the Roos were assertive at the centre contests throughout the clash and ultimately ended the match with a 10-5 advantage.

What's next?
North Melbourne heads west next week to take on the 18th-placed Eagles. The Roos picked up a Round 1 win against Adam Simpson's men by five points and will look to do the double as the campaign's end quickly approaches.

ST KILDA                       3.3    3.7    4.12    9.15 (69)
NORTH MELBOURNE     2.0    6.1    8.4      9.7 (61)

GOALS
St Kilda: Owens 2, Higgins 2, Marshall, Sharman, Sinclair, Caminiti, Steele
North Melbourne: Thomas 3, Larkey 3, Xerri, Ford, Ziebell

BEST
St Kilda: Steele, Sinclair, Marshall, Windhager, Wilkie, Higgins
North Melbourne: McKay, Davies-Uniacke, Sheezel, Thomas, Phillips, Tucker

INJURIES
St Kilda: Hill (chest)
North Melbourne: Shiels (calf), Larkey (ankle)

LATE CHANGE
North Melbourne: Howe replaced Lazarro in selected side

SUBSTITUTES
St Kilda: Jack Billings (replaced Bradley Hill in the first quarter)
North Melbourne: Jack Ziebell (replaced Liam Shiels at three-quarter time)

Crowd: 18,279 at Marvel Stadium