St Kilda has named key defender Sam Fisher in its 25-man squad to face Essendon at Etihad Stadium, along with key forward Paddy McCartin, American ruckman Jason Holmes and athletic wingman Daniel McKenzie.

With the Saints not playing until Sunday afternoon, the preliminary squad won’t be trimmed to a final side until late Friday, but at this stage small forward Jack Lonie is the only change after he was omitted from the 22 that were comprehensively beaten by West Coast in Perth.

After missing last weekend’s trip to Western Australia due to general soreness, Fisher returns to the squad and is likely to return to bolster an undersized back six that conceded over 100-points at Domain Stadium last Sunday.

Budding spearhead McCartin is in contention to play his first game since Round 5, and fifth for the year, following an impressive fortnight with Sandringham. The 2014 No. 1 pick has been in strong form at VFL level, commanding plenty of the ball playing across centre-half forward.

Holmes was elevated back onto the senior list on Thursday and could be recalled for his first game since the last round of 2015. The athletic ruckman played the final three games of 2015 after becoming the first United States born player to play AFL.

Former second-round draftee McKenzie is another player to be named in the extended squad for the first time this season following a standout performance in the Zebras loss to Casey Scorpions last weekend. The athletically gifted midfielder played seven games in his debut season, but hasn’t played at senior level since Round 19 last year. 

St Kilda ruckman Tom Hickey is set to play his 50th game against the Bombers on Sunday, in his fourth season since crossing from Gold Coast Suns.

After being resoundingly beaten by West Coast’s midfield last weekend, the Saints engine room will be out for redemption against Essendon’s mix of seasoned players from other clubs and top-end youth.

David Zaharakis and Zach Merrett have led the way for the Bombers in their midfield across the first eight rounds, while Essendon Captain Brendon Goddard and Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney have continued to perform.

Inside midfielder Seb Ross has been one of the most improved players at St Kilda this season, emerging as a reliable contributor in the middle of the ground. The 23-year-old inked a new two-year contract extension on Tuesday which ties him to the Saints until the end of 2018.

Aside from veteran star Leigh Montagna and two-time Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven, Ross is averaging more possessions than any other player at the Saints.

Following last weekend’s disappointing effort against the Eagles, particularly in the midfield, Alan Richardson will be watching to see who will atone in the twilight slot at Docklands on Sunday.