Paddy McCartin and Sam Fisher both made a positive return from injury in Sandringham’s loss against Williamstown on Sunday, with the pair set to be available for selection this weekend, according to St Kilda GM of Football Performance Jamie Cox.
After missing three weeks due to concussion – his third for 2016 – McCartin worked his into his return game at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, collecting 12 possessions, six marks and a goal.
“Paddy was a little bit slow to start the game against Williamstown on the weekend but finished strongly, worked his way into the game nicely, had a good hitout and he’ll be available for selection this week,” Cox told saints.com.au on Tuesday night.
After missing eight weeks with a hamstring strain, key defender Sam Fisher also put his best foot forward on the weekend in his first game back.
The 34-year-old overcame a quiet start before finding touch in the second half where he used the ball well. He finished with 18 disposals at 89 per cent efficiency, as well as six marks.
“Sam Fisher also returned in the game. He was a little bit slow to start also, but worked his way into the game, got plenty of the ball late and looks as though he’s ready for selection also,” Cox said.
Rebounding defender Jimmy Webster hasn’t played since St Kilda’s three-point win over Geelong in Round 14, but looks likely to return this weekend after overcoming a persistent hamstring ailment.
The Tasmanian will need to pass a fitness test at Thursday’s main training session before being declared available for selection.
“He’s missed a bit of footy Jimmy, but the good news is he’s training strongly. He looks available but will be tested on Thursday to see if he’s okay to go this weekend. So finally some positive news for Jimmy,” Cox said.
Father-son recruit Bailey Rice is also set to play this weekend after missing last weekend’s clash against ladder leaders Williamstown due to concussion. While fellow first-year defender Brandon White remains at least a week away with a minor hamstring strain.
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Injury Update 2/8/16
J. Webster (hamstring) – test
H. Goddard (Achilles) – season
B. Rice (concussion) – test
B. White (hamstring) – 1 week
