Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for Friday night’s clash between the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda:
Weightman to kick 2+ goals
Small forward Cody Weightman moved to 24 goals for the season after registering 2.3 in last week’s loss to Sydney.
Weightman is normally a reliable kick for goal converting at 75 per cent accuracy this year.
The 21-year-old has booted the second most goals for the Bulldogs in 2022 behind spearhead Aaron Naughton.
With Naughton unavailable for Friday night’s must-win match against St Kilda, Weightman’s role takes on extra importance.
The young Bulldog kicked two goals against the Saints last year and should at least reach that mark again on Friday night.
Bontempelli to have 20+ disposals and 3+ clearances
It’s a big night for the Bulldogs and their skipper Marcus Bontempelli.
With their season on the line, Bontempelli will look to lift his side to victory following two straight losses.
The four-time All-Australian was good in tight against the Swans last time out, laying nine tackles to go with eight clearances and 19 disposals.
Bontempelli caused the Saints all sorts of headaches last season.
The Dogs star gathered 26 touches and kicked four goals as his side ran out 111-point winners.
He should pick up at least 20 touches and have three or more clearances this time around.
Alex Zaia
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Jones to pick up 18+ touches and have 3+ clearances
St Kilda’s Zak Jones has been fair since his return in Round 8.
He has averaged 20.2 disposals, 4 tackles and 3.8 clearances in his nine outings in 2022 and his fresh off a season-high 27 against Fremantle last week.
In Saints colours against the Bulldogs he has played twice - both games in 2020 - and picked up 29 and 16 touches respectively.
In a crunch clash at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, the Saints will need Jones to step up, particularly now that Seb Ross is sidelined with COVID.
Expect him to have at least 18 disposals and be busy around the stoppage with at least three clearances.
Butler and Higgins to combine for 3+ goals
Dan Butler has been back in the goals of late, kicking five in his last three, including two in each of his last two outings.
Jack Higgins has also hit the scoreboard in each of his last four matches in which he has returned six goals.
The Dogs were scored on heavily by Sydney last week with the likes of Tom Papley, Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner combining for 8.7.
With that in mind, Butler and Higgins should kick at least three goals between them at Marvel on what is a massive night for the Saints.
Andrew Slevison