The countdown is on for Saturday’s Round 1 clash with the Lions and a host of tough selection decisions await Alan Richardson and his coaching team.
Stuck on the ruck
Billy Longer and Tom Hickey look set to fight for the No.1 ruck mantle again this season, but don’t count out rookie Rowan Marshall.
Longer cemented himself as Richardson’s first choice in 2017 and enjoyed first crack at it again in JLT 1 against the Blues.
With the big bodied tall suffering a minor niggle in that game, Hickey and Marshall then had their opportunity to impress against the Demons in JLT 2.
Pitted against Max Gawn, both had their moments in the ruck and looked dangerous pushing forward.
Marshall’s flexibility looms as a potential weapon for the Saints this year, and expect the former North Ballarat product to get his chance early in the season.
Who gets the crumbs?
The Saints’ bevy of talented small forwards are desperate to cement their place in Alan Richardson’s best 22.
Jade Gresham and Jack Billings are a lock to start this weekend, however, both are tipped for more midfield time in 2018.
Draftee Hunter Clark is knocking down the door to make his debut up forward after impressing with his composure and ball use during the pre-season competition.
The No.7 draft pick from last year bagged three goals from the two games and looks ready to make the step to AFL level.
Jack Lonie and Ben Long sat out JLT 2 after featuring against the Blues a week earlier, while Mav Weller and Nathan Wright are also right in the frame given their ability to apply manic pressure.
New faces / old faces
Despite the retirement of Leigh Montagna, the Saints still boast an experienced defensive unit led by captain Jarryn Geary.
The Saints’ oldest player Sam Gilbert didn’t play in JLT 2 but will be a hard man to leave out in Round 1 given his versatility.
The 31-year-old was used as the second ruckman at times last year and is the team-first player coaches love.
Interestingly, Nick Coffield, at the opposite end of his career, will also be difficult to leave out given his pre-season form.
'The Coff' has looked assured with ball in hand, and undaunted by the step up to senior level so far. Expect him to debut early in the season if it’s not Saturday against the Lions.
Despite watching on from the sidelines during the JLT Community Series, Brandon White and Bailey Rice are other names that could sneak into the Round 1 line-up.
Both are highly rated for their ball-use, with White’s penetrating left foot looming as a dangerous weapon in years to come.
Midfield minutes
The final selection dilemma is likely to centre in the heart of the ground.
David Armitage’s return from injury, along with the continued improvement of Luke Dunstan, Blake Acres and Jack Steele has the Saints well stocked for midfield grunt.
Koby Stevens is another pressing for more midfield minutes after an impressive first season in red, white and black in 2017.
As reported Friday, Jack Steven is on track to take his place against the Lions.
