Essendon snapped a six-game losing streak with a thrilling three-point win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium last Saturday night while St Kilda snatched a dramatic draw with Hawthorn in the opening match of round 17.

Despite being nine rungs below the third-placed Saints on the ladder, the Bombers – who have lost in-form midfielder Jason Winderlich (hand) but regained ruckman David Hille – will head into this clash with some confidence given that they have won their past two against Ross Lyon’s men.

However, their defence, which has conceded an average of 125 points in the past six rounds, will struggle to contain a St Kilda attack led by skipper Nick Riewoldt who is getting better with every game he gets under his belt after a long stint on the sidelines due to a serious hamstring injury.

Putting money on a Saints’ win by 1-39 at $2.20 is the way to go.