After an impressive win against Richmond last week, St Kilda will make its return to the MCG this Sunday as Brett Ratten’s troops look to secure three wins on the trot.

In the way stands a dangerous Hawthorn outfit who will be hungry to get back on the winner’s list after they fell to the Blues last week to the slimmest of margins.

With Sandringham having secured a solid victory in the VFL last week, the Saints will have plenty to ponder at the selection table ahead of their trip to the home of footy.

Mitch Owens

Having had a taste of what AFL footy is all about, Mitch Owens could see his name in line for a recall to the senior side.

Returning to the VFL following his Round 1 debut, the young midfielder impressed on Sunday as he collected 20 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances and five inside-50s in gloomy conditions at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

Described as a ‘bull’ by Development and VFL Senior Coach Jake Batchelor, Owens could see his name in the starting 22 for Sunday’s match against the Hawks and add game number two to his career tally.

Ben Long

Coming on as the medical sub after Jack Higgins was concussed, Ben Long more than stepped up the plate against the Tigers with two goals and six score involvements.

It was the first time this season that the 24-year-old has appeared in the senior side following two weeks as an emergency against Collingwood and Fremantle.  

Now with Higgins set to miss this week due to concussion protocols, the opportunity awaits Long to cement his place in the lineup as the craft goal-sneak is firming as the most likely candidate to replace the former Tiger. 

Marcus Windhager

It was a career-best in the VFL for Marcus Windhager, who dominated in the wet conditions for a best-on-ground display.

The 18-year-old exploded against the Tigers for 31 disposals, 11 clearances and two goals to lead the Zebras to their first win of the season.

Drafted out of the Saints’ Next Generation Academy, Windhager could be the third member of the club’s 2021 draft class to make his debut this season.

In contention

If St Kilda are looking to add some aerial prowess to their backline, they could turn to the high-flying Tom Highmore come Sunday.

Working well with Darragh Joyce down back, Highmore has impressed with his leadership and ‘marshalling’ of the troops down back in his appearances at the VFL level. However, the 24-year-old is yet to play an AFL game this season and would be itching to break back into the senior side.

Similar to Highmore would be Ryan Byrnes, who returned to the VFL for his first outing in Sandringham colours after he was omitted from the senior side. 

With 26 disposals and five clearances in difficult conditions, Byrnes will be keen to work his way back into St Kilda colours.

Sunday also saw the return of Jack Bytel to the line-up, who was influential in the result as he worked smoothly alongside Owens and Windhager.

After coming back from injury, Bytel is likely to spend some more time in the Zebras’ colours as he looks to build up some form early in the year.