The Saints are on the board in 2022, with Brett Ratten’s men coming off a gritty victory in the west against Fremantle.

Now, their attention will turn to the recent three-time premiers in Richmond, who themselves are coming off the back of a win against Greater Western Sydney last Sunday.

With the seventh annual Maddie’s Match set to take place between the two sides, there will be some intriguing selection decisions to be made as St Kilda look to secure a second-straight victory.

Cooper Sharman

Selected as the medical sub in Perth, Cooper Sharman will be looking to go one better this Sunday and line-up for his first AFL game this season.

The high-flying forward burst onto the scene in 2021 after he was taken in the mid-season draft, but strong form from key Saints has seen the 21-year-old unable to break back into the side.

After going unused against the Dockers, Sharman could work his way into St Kilda colours should Brett Ratten want another strong marking option inside-50 alongside Max King.

Ben Long

Following a four-goal performance from small-forward Jack Higgins at Optus Stadium, the Saints could be tempted to partner the 23-year-old with fellow goal-sneak Ben Long.

Long impressed in the VFL practice game against Collingwood before he was taken over to WA as a travelling emergency, but he has not been able to work his way into the senior side this season.

With King coming off a powerful display as the key forward, Ratten could look to provide his big target inside-50 with some extra support when the ball falls to ground by partnering Higgins alongside the 24-year-old Saint.

Tom Highmore

The “most influential” player in the VFL practice game last weekend, Tom Highmore could be in the frame for a return to the senior side against the Tigers.

Similar to Long, Highmore made the trip west but went unused. Having worked his way into the starting 22 last year, the return of small defender Ben Paton and the positioning of Josh Battle into the backline has seen the intercepting backman out of the senior side.

However should Ratten be keen to add some further aerial prowess into the backline, 24-year-old Highmore could see his name locked in to take on Richmond.

In Contention

Veteran ruckman Paddy Ryder made a successful return to the VFL on Sunday, where he pulled down 26 hit-outs, seven marks and booted a goal.

While the Saints will be keen to get the 34-year-old back into the senior side, Ryder played on managed minutes and it is likely Ratten will take a cautious approach to the No. 18.

Dean Kent would be similarly keen to break back into the St Kilda 22 after he was omitted for the trip across the country. However after copping a knock in the fourth quarter of the VFL game on Sunday, Kent will need to make it through main training this week to be in the frame for consideration.

Former skipper Jarryn Geary continues to progress in the VFL as he works his way back into AFL match fitness, while youngsters Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager performed admirably at VFL level as they continue to develop their games.