Emerging key forward Paddy McCartin will return to St Kilda’s senior side on Saturday night to face Western Bulldogs after making a successful return from a hamstring strain with Sandringham last weekend.
The 19-year-old spearhead missed the last month of the pre-season after suffering the setback against North Melbourne in the opening NAB Challenge game, but alleviated any concerns regarding his fitness with a seven-goal, 15-mark haul in the VFL.
Second-year midfielder Jack Sinclair has also been included for Round 2 following a standout performance in the VFL. The former rookie gathered 27 touches and kicked four goals against Box Hill Hawks.
Blake Acres and Eli Templeton have been omitted following the Saints 33-point loss to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Easter Sunday.
St Kilda will celebrate one its all-time greats on Saturday night, with captain and six-time Trevor Barker Award winner Nick Riewoldt reaching the 300-game milestone at Etihad Stadium.
The 33-year-old is the most decorated player in St Kilda’s history having also been named All Australian on five occasions, including as captain in 2009 and vice-captain in 2014, to go with his Leigh Matthews Trophy in 2004 (AFLPA MVP) and 2002 Rising Star award.
The return of McCartin will see the Saints field a tall three-pronged attack with 2015 leading goal kicker Josh Bruce. And given Western Bulldogs’ more mobile defence and lack of key defensive options, Alan Richardson will be hopeful the Saints key options can stretch a back six that ran all over Fremantle last weekend.
'Maddie is the only thing that will be missing'
Following a career-best performance first-up against the Power’s Matthew Lobbe, Saints ruckman Tom Hickey will be looking to build on his stunning start to the campaign that drew five coaches votes, on the back of his 56-hitout, 20 disposal effort.
After debuting last Sunday, 2015 first-round draft pick Jade Gresham has held his spot and is set to continue his partnership with Jack Lonie and Jack Billings inside 50. The teenager gathered nine touches, four tackles and a goal with his first kick in his first appearance at the highest level.
Billings made a successful return from long-term injury against the Power, following a frustrating second season that was reduced to just nine games due to a stress fracture in his shin. The last time the former No. 3 draft pick faced the Dogs, the polished left-footer put on an impressive display, leading the Saints to a 55-point comeback on the back of four second half majors to guide his side to a seven-point victory.
Round 2 Premiership Team
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 2 April
Etihad Stadium
B: J. Geary, S. Fisher, D. Roberton
HB: J. Newnes, S. Dempster, J. Webster
C: L. Montagna, D. Armitage, S. Savage
HF: M. Weller, N. Riewoldt, J. Billings
F: J. Lonie, J. Bruce, P. McCartin
R: T. Hickey, S. Ross, J. Steven
Interchange: L. Dunstan, S. Gilbert, J. Gresham, J. Sinclair
Emergencies: E. Templeton, B. Acres, T. Lee
IN: P. McCartin, J. Sinclair
OUT: E. Templeton (Omitted), B. Acres (Omitted)
