St Kilda forward Maverick Weller won’t play against Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium on Friday night after rolling his ankle at Wednesday’s main training session.
The 24-year-old, who collected a career-high 28 disposals and kicked two goals against Hawthorn in Tasmania last Saturday, will be replaced by medium-sized forward Nathan Wright.
After playing the first game of the season against Melbourne, Wright hasn’t featured at senior level since, but after a standout performance in the VFL last Saturday, the hard nut has been rewarded with a spot against the Giants.
“The team was going to be unchanged but unfortunately Maverick Weller rolled his ankle yesterday so he won’t play,” Richardson told reporters at a press conference on Thursday morning.
“We’re hoping that will be just the one week.
“So like for like, Nathan Wright will come in and play that role. He’s earned his recall; he had a really strong game (last weekend).”
With Nick Riewoldt (four goals), Josh Bruce (three goals) and Tim Membrey (three goals) firing against the Hawks, the Saints haven’t been able to fit Paddy McCartin into their forward line this Friday, despite the emerging key forward booting 7.3 from 10 marks and 18 disposals at Sandringham.
Richardson said the 21-year-old was disappointed not to be included in the 22 this weekend, but understood the reasons why after St Kilda’s comprehensive 75-point win at University of Tasmania Stadium.
“I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t disappointed. He’s a driven, ambitious young man that played the sort of game that would often get you in,” Richardson said about the VFL’s leading goalkicker.
The team performed strongly and those he’d look to replace performed strongly. He understands that; he’s a smart footy kid, doesn’t mean he’s not disappointed or a little bit frustrated, but he’s just got to keep going.
“Paddy is obviously a tall forward and I’m pretty happy with the way the boys are going in that space.
“He’s kicked 12 goals in three weeks. He’s coming along nicely and whenever he is next in the team we think that he’s going to be in really good shape.”
