Brett Ratten and the Saints will have eyes on ending the year on a high with a win over Fremantle this Sunday at Tasmania's Blundstone Arena.
With a handful key players – including leading goalkicker Max King – sidelined ahead of Round 23, the opportunity to roll the dice on several budding youngsters has come into the selection conversation.
Tom Highmore
One of the shining lights of the 2021 season has been the emergence of Tom Highmore.
The high-flying youngster missed Round 22 after experiencing discomfort in his previously injured left hand, but will face a test at tomorrow's main training session to determine his availability.
The 23-year-old, who has played 13 out of a possible 21 games in his debut season, currently sits third for the club for intercept marks, fourth for contested one-on-ones and fifth for intercept possessions.
Jack Bytel
He's entered the field of play as the medical sub in his most recent three outings, but Jack Bytel will have eyes on a full senior appearance in Hobart this Sunday.
While his two most recent VFL outings (27 disposals, 10 tackles against Carlton and 37 disposals, 10 clearances against Essendon) have thrust the 21-year-old into selection calculations, Bytel has been unable to get a full senior game to his name since Round 10.
Bytel has lined up for 12 matches this season, five of which have been as the medical sub (all used).
Despite the return of Dan Hannebery to the line-up last weekend, there still could be room for the young No. 23 to squeeze out another senior game before the year ends.
Oscar Clavarino
Oscar Clavarino will be set on adding another senior game to his name as the Saints and Dockers prepare for battle at Blundstone Arena.
The 22-year-old appeared in the final minutes of Round 22 against Geelong after coming on as the medical sub for Darragh Joyce (concussion), and could very well take the Irishman's spot in the starting line-up this weekend.
Clavarino was in solid form for Sandringham before the lockdown, accumulating back-to-back 22-disposal games as well as a handy one-goal outing against Richmond three weeks prior.
In contention
Jack Lonie and Ben Long will continue to put their hands up for selection as St Kilda heads to the Apple Isle for its final game of 2021.
Both Saints have been named on the emergencies list over the past fortnight, with their last senior appearances coming in Rounds 13 and 20 respectively.
Despite opting for just the one key ruckman in Rowan Marshall over the past month, Paul Hunter is also available to give support through the middle and up forward.
Hunter Clark (concussion), Leo Connolly (concussion) and Paddy Ryder (Achilles soreness) will continue to be monitored during the week, while Jack Billings continues to recover from a hamstring strain sustained three weeks ago.
