The opportunity to secure a win on the road swing momentum back their way in the season presents itself to the Saints this Sunday, as the side heads across the Nullabor for its first interstate trip of the year.
Awaiting them are the in-form Dockers, who are coming off their own road-win last week in a thrilling one-point victory against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
With the Saints keen to secure their first win of the season, the selection panel will have plenty to ponder when they come together to discuss who will make the trip to Perth.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
With senior coach Brett Ratten lamenting his side’s untidy display on Friday night, the door could open for first-year Saint Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to showcase his skills on the main stage.
Widely touted as the best kick in his draft class, the 18-year-old will be eager to join fellow debutants Jack Hayes and Mitch Owens in getting some match-time after debuting last week as the medical sub (unused).
Wanganeen-Milera's skillset offers the potential to play either on the wing or off half-backline, with his clean use likely to come into this week's selection conversation.
Tom Highmore
Working his way back from a corked thigh suffered before Round 1, Tom Highmore impressed during his first full hit-out during Friday’s VFL practice game against the Magpies.
Praised as the “most influential (player) throughout the game” last week by development and VFL Senior Coach Jake Batchelor, the intercepting backman could add some aerial prowess down back against the Dockers should he be selected.
Despite working his way into the starting 22 last season, Highmore dipped out of a Round 1 berth after slipping pecking order following the return of small-defender Ben Paton from injury.
Jarrod Lienert
The final player to be added to St Kilda’s 2022 playing list, Jarrod Lienert could make the trip west after serving as an emergency player last week.
Having trained with the Saints since mid-February before signing on earlier this month, the former Port Adelaide defender turned out for the Zebras on Friday for a half of footy before making the trip to Marvel Stadium.
Despite still learning St Kilda's game-plan, Lienert's experienced head and leadership down back could be an option for Ratten to turn to come Sunday.
In Contention
After missing out on selection last week against the Pies, Cooper Sharman is another name that could be brought up at the selection table.
Sharman burst onto the scene at the end of 2021 after the Saints picked him up in the mid-season rookie draft, kicking 10 goals from four games to add a new threat to the club's offensive line.
Goalsneak Ben Long is another name that Ratten could bring across to Optus Stadium, with Batchelor impressed by the 24-year-old’s contest work in the VFL.
Veteran ruckman Paddy Ryder is still looking a few weeks off from an AFL return, with the 34-year-old set to line up for Sandringham this week.
Suffering from Achilles soreness which led to an interrupted pre-season, Ryder will join Jarryn Geary for the Zebras as they both look to build up their match fitness.