ALAN Richardson has made four changes to the team that was defeated by Collingwood last Friday, handing Tom Lee and Sam Dunell their first games for the year, and recalling Josh Saunders and Tom Simpkin to the senior side.

Adam Schneider has been ruled out with a foot injury, while Tom Curren, Arryn Siposs and Rhys Stanley have all been omitted from the 22.

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Pleasingly, Maverick Weller and Luke Delaney have passed their respective fitness tests and will play against the ladder leaders on Saturday.

But it’s the inclusions of Lee and Dunell that headline this week’s selection wrap-up, with both forwards having played AFL before but not since 2013.

VIDEO: Tom Lee and Sam Dunell talk about their selection in Round 12

“Tommy Lee has worked really hard to get himself right after two shoulder reconstructions,” Richardson told SAINTS.com.au on Thursday.

“He’s been building nicely and in his last game, all be it a , he kicked three. He’s in good form and that’s the way to come into the team.

“We’re really looking forward to him playing.”
 

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The 23-year-old from Claremont in Western Australia booted 17 goals from nine games in his debut season last year, including bags of three in rounds 15, 16 and 23.

While Dunell hasn’t been as prolific on the scoreboard over the past two years, Richardson highlighted the former rookie’s adaptability and strong performances in the VFL as the primary reasons for his recall.

“Sammy Dunell has been in really good form for Sandy,” the first-year coach said.

“He has terrific versatility and that’s really appealing for our team. He’s a really good runner that can play potentially in the midfield, forward, and at a pinch go back.

“It really is a reward for effort. It’s a reward for consistent good form and we are looking forward to him getting his opportunity.”
Dunell is averaging 16.4 disposals per game for the Zebras’ this year and has impressed VFL coach Simon McPhee with his strength in the aerial contest.

“He shows excellent leadership and can impact games of footy with his strong marking and good work-rate,” McPhee said in his mid-season review.

“He’s been pushing for senior selection for a few weeks now.”

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The 24-year-old hasn’t played for the Saints since he collected 17 possessions against Brisbane in round 19, 2013.

Joining Lee and Dunell for the trip to Adelaide is Josh Saunders, who averages almost 14 disposals and over five tackles per game this year.

The second-year player’s last senior game was against Hawthorn in round seven.

Probably the most interesting inclusion however is Tom Simpkin, who Richardson indicated may be used as a defensive forward as well as down back against the Power this weekend. 

Curren, Siposs and Stanley have been named as emergencies, with the latter two set to play VFL on Saturday, while Curren will provide cover and travel with the team to South Australia.

In other news, Nick Riewoldt is just three majors away from becoming the third Saint to boot 600 goals and the Saints will be hosting an open training session at the Adelaide Oval at 2pm on Friday.

ST KILDA TEAM VS PORT ADELAIDE
B: Newnes            Delaney          Shenton
HB: Dempster      Bruce             Dunell
C: Montagna        Hayes            Ray
HF: Steven           Riewoldt        Billings
FF: Milera           Lee                 Murdoch
Foll: Longer         Ross               Dunstan

Int: Jones, Simpkin, Saunders, Weller

Emergencies: Siposs, Curren, Stanley

In: Dunell, Simpkin, Lee, Saunders
Out: Schneider (foot), Stanley, Curren, Siposs