1. Bobby Davis and the Saints

We write this week's 'Talking Points Memo' while wearing a black armband and mourning the death of one of the great men in footy - Bob Davis.

And we're going to channel our inner Bobby Davis as we take a look at the sick and sorry Saints, the almost premiers of 2009 and 2010, but currently sitting at 15th on the ladder.

It was in the early 1990s on Sportsworld, the Sunday morning TV show that replaced World of Sport, that Davis paid out on a typically poor performance by the then Brisbane Bears.

When challenged by a fellow panelist to "name names", Davis promptly did, pulling out his copy of the AFL Record from the day before and verbally drawing a line through pretty much every member of the Brisbane side. Among the gems that day, were: "David Bain... too small.... Brad Hardie ... too loose... Roger Merrett... too old... Richard Champion...in name only"

We at BPL are not going to draw a line through every member of the St Kilda side that turned it in against Hawthorn after quarter-time on Sunday, but we do believe that Saints need to make some hard and fast calls on some players it knows won't be part of its next Grand Final side.

So here goes. Steven Baker should come back in three weeks from suspension for what would be his 200th game and it should also serve as his farewell game. Justin Koschitzke should be offered to Greater Western Sydney...along with a pair of steak knives. Dean Polo's first game with St Kilda should also be his last. Clint Jones offers little, the same with Sean Dempster. Not sure if Jack Stevens will make it. Steven Milne has been a fixture for the Saints, but his best football is behind him. Jason Blake didn't play against the Hawks, but his die would appear to have been cast. The same with Brett Peake.

This column lacks the wit and wisdom of the late Bobby Davis, but we share the same sentiment about St Kilda this year as he did the Bears two decades ago. It is time for Ross Lyon to move a few blokes on.

2. Hawthorn's hoodoo ground

Any excitement felt by the Hawthorn faithful after Sunday's slashing comeback win over St Kilda quickly dissipated when they looked at the draw. Next up for the Hawks in Sydney at the SCG, a venue they haven't won at since 2003, with their average losing margin in the four games since a depressing 45 points.

Alastair Clarkson's men can't come to grips with the wide flanks and short distance between the goals. Lance Franklin can't get his radar working there and they tend to get smashed at the clearances. They won't win here.

3. Willing in the west

The Western Bulldogs rediscovered their run and carry against Richmond on Sunday, racking up 23 goals in the process. But how will they cope with the new West Coast defensive press, one of the hardest in the AFL to pierce? And how will their smallish backline deal with Josh Kennedy, Quinten Lynch, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras and one of Nic Naitanui or Dean Cox? We think they'll struggle.

4. Dons danger game?

With a bunch of outs, Essendon will take a thin side into Saturday night's Dreamtime at the 'G clash with Richmond. The Bombers have been so impressive, but you have to think the Tigers will fancy themselves. The biggest hurdle facing Richmond this year is its defence, not its self-belief.

5. One man team?

We will find out whether the above description applies to Brisbane this week. The Lions host North Melbourne and are yet to win a game. It would be an indictment on the rest of the side if they turn around and win what would be their first game of the year.

6. Big test for the Blues.

The Cats looked great in beating Collingwood last week, but could be ripe for a letdown. The Blues need a big scalp to underline their top four hopes. Friday night at Etihad could be the one.