St Kilda coach Brett Ratten has admitted his worries about North Melbourne’s effective ball use through the corridor, ahead of the Round 11 clash between the two sides.
With St Kilda struggling to contain a rampant Western Bulldogs midfield last week, Ratten says he’s keen for his side to limit North’s impact around stoppages.
“We know they move the ball through the corridor and we know what they do around the clearances,” Ratten said.
“They’re quite dynamic around the clearances … [they’ll] be pretty important but it’ll be making sure they don’t bring the ball through the corridor.
“(Ben) Cunnington’s work to get the ball and then (Jy) Simpkin and (Tarryn) Thomas, their ability to feed off (Todd) Goldstein and (Tom) Campbell is in pretty good form as well.”
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North dominated the clearances against Hawthorn a fortnight ago, recording an AFL season-high of 49.
In that game, Cunnington, Simpkin and Luke Davies-Uniacke combined for 37 clearances.
St Kilda's midfield will be bolstered by the return of Luke Dunstan, among five changes for the home team.
The Roos welcome back Bailey Scott, in place of fellow on-baller Charlie Lazzaro.
