Under Ross Lyon, St Kilda was known for its deliberate slow-it-down, grind-it-out game style. Based around precise ball use and periods of sustained possession, it was a frustrating style for the opposition and at times, AFL supporters. However with Scott Watters as coach, the Saints have begun to move towards a plan which favours more freedom when they have control.

While it is a simple statistic, St Kilda's points for and against demonstrate the change. In 2010, a Grand Final year for the Saints, they averaged 88-points for and 72-points against. So far in 2012, it has been 106-points for and 87-against; a significant increase.

Delving deeper into the reasons for the rise in numbers on the scoreboard, the answer is found in the mark and disposal stats. In 2010, St Kilda averaged 108 marks (1st in the AFL) and 394 (2nd) disposals per game. Two seasons later, it has dipped to 91 (5th) and 359 (11th) respectively.

With fewer marks per game, a side is forced to move the ball quicker. With quicker ball use, there is less time to rack up high possession numbers.

Youth also has a lot to do with the changes to the side and at different stages this season, the likes of Jamie Cripps, Terry Milera, Rhys Stanley, Ahmed Saad, Jack Newnes, Tom Ledger and Tom Simpkin have all contributed.

While an injection of youth is vital for the future, it can lead to inconsistency, as North Melbourne is well aware of.

The St Kilda of old was a tough, battle-hardened group and there was rarely a time where the opposition could count on an effort below its best. North found that out the hard way twice in 2011.

This year, St Kilda has been guilty of giving up goals in bunches. In 2010, St Kilda only allowed six or more goals in a quarter three times but so far in 2012, it's already occurred on five occasions.

Slow starts have also been an issue and in the last five games, the Saints have only won a single first quarter during their 95-point victory over Gold Coast in Round 11. Take that out of the equation and opponents have outscored them by a total of nine goals in the remaining four opening terms.

For North Melbourne, when it plays well, it hits the opponent with a strong start. In all six of its wins this season, North has led at quarter time. Also, in three of those games it has kicked six or more goals.

With St Kilda playing with more fluency, there is a chance for North to beat it at its own game and potentially move into the eight at the conclusion of the round.