Alan Richardson and his selection committee have made six changes ahead of St Kilda’s clash with the Demons, with the final team to be announced on Friday.
St Kilda skipper Jarryn Geary looks set to return to the senior side after recovering from a calf strain that saw him sidelined for two games.
Geary is the most likely replacement for the injured Jimmy Webster, who is still experiencing the groin soreness that forced him from the ground in the opening term against the Suns.
READ: Webster to miss
Nathan Wright, Sam Gilbert, Darragh Joyce, Lewis Pierce and Ben Paton have also been named in the extended squad ahead of the Sunday afternoon encounter at the ‘G.
Young defender Logan Austin has been omitted, while Blake Acres is still at least one week away from a comeback.
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Nathan Wright has been gradually building his form at VFL level, while veteran Sam Gilbert had a strong return to footy after surgery on his thumb.
WATCH: Richardson previews Melbourne
Irishman Darragh Joyce has performed some impressive shutdown roles for Sandringham, and Lewis Pierce is once again available following his hamstring strain, while youngster Ben Paton continues to press for a senior debut.
Returned key forward Josh Bruce will spend another week in the VFL as he looks to regain his best form.
B: | Daniel McKenzie | Nathan Brown | Bailey Rice |
HB: | Jarryn Geary | Jake Carlisle | Shane Savage |
C: | Jack Newnes | Jack Steele | Jack Sinclair |
HF: | Jack Billings | Paddy McCartin | Maverick Weller |
F: | Jade Gresham | Tim Membrey | Josh Battle |
Foll: | Billy Longer | Sebastian Ross | Jack Steven |
I/C: | Luke Dunstan | Hunter Clark | Sam Gilbert |
| David Armitage | Nathan Wright | Darragh Joyce |
| Lewis Pierce | Ben Paton |
|
IN: Jarryn Geary, Nathan Wright, Sam Gilbert, Darragh Joyce, Lewis Pierce, Ben Paton
OUT: Jimmy Webster (injured), Logan Austin