Exciting small forward Ben Long has been recalled for Saturday night’s blockbuster clash against Richmond at Etihad Stadium, along with Shane Savage and Daniel McKenzie.
After being selected with St Kilda’s first pick in last Novembers National Draft, Long debuted against Collingwood Round 4 and played the following week before heading back to Sandringham where he has played eight games in his first season at Linen House Centre.
Versatile duo Savage and McKenzie have been forced to pile up performances at VFL level and bide their time before earning another opportunity at senior level.
But with Jimmy Webster serving the first week of a two-week suspension and Maverick Weller and Luke Dunstan being left out of the encounter with the Tigers, Savage, McKenzie and Long have all been rewarded for sustained form.
Long, 19, travelled to Perth last weekend as a carryover emergency against Fremantle, while Savage and McKenzie produced their best performances of 2017 to demand a recall.
Experienced half-back Savage played on a wing and across half-forward where he amassed 38 possessions (14 contested), 11 inside
After playing two games earlier in the year, McKenzie sewed up a return by collecting 22 disposals, eight tackles and five inside
St Kilda GM Football Performance Jamie Cox said young key forward Paddy McCartin is close to returning from his latest head knock but won’t play at any level this weekend.
“The doctors are really happy with how Paddy is recovering. He has been training well, is feeling fine physically and isn’t displaying any symptoms. However, according to the
“Paddy trained strongly today and will continue to train over the weekend with an eye of pushing for selection next week.”
Key defender Jake Carlisle is set to reach the 100-game milestone under the roof at Docklands on the weekend, after playing his first 85 games at Essendon before being traded to St Kilda at the end of 2015.
The 25-year-old has played every game this season and gradually improved by the week, with one of his best performances in red, white and black coming against Fremantle last Sunday.
When they last faced Richmond late last season, St Kilda ended a six-game losing streak dating back to 2010.
The Saints will face a far different side to the last encounter, with Damien Hardwick’s men winning four of their last five games to sit in 4th position after 15 rounds.
Round 16 Team v Richmond
Etihad Stadium
B: Jarryn Geary, Nathan Brown, Dylan Roberton
HB: Jack Newnes, Jake Carlisle, Sam Gilbert
C: Leigh Montagna, Koby Stevens, Jack Billings
HF: Jack Sinclair, Nick Riewoldt, Jack Lonie
F: Jade Gresham, Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey
R: Billy Longer, Seb Ross, Jack Steven
Interchange: Shane Savage, Jack Steele, Ben Long, Daniel McKenzie
Emergencies: Tom Hickey, Luke Dunstan, Blake Acres
IN: S. Savage, D. McKenzie, B. Long
OUT: M. Weller, (omitted), J. Webster (suspension), L. Dunstan (omitted)
Milestones: Jake Carlisle – 100 games
