It is three wins straight for the Saints, with the club 3-1 for the first time since 2019, and they will be looking to keep the momentum rolling this Saturday afternoon back under the roof of Marvel Stadium.

However, in their way stands a red-hot Gold Coast outfit, fresh off a 30-point victory over the previously undefeated Carlton.

Recent history suggests this game will be a close one, with the last five encounters between the two sides having been decided by under 10 points. Paddy Ryder was instrumental in the latter of these wins for the Saints, but he won't be taking to the field come Saturday due to suspension.

Without one-half of their ruck tandem and a handful of players in the VFL pushing for senior call-ups, St Kilda will have much to think about at the selection table.

Jack Hayes

After lighting up Marvel Stadium on debut in Round 1, Jack Hayes could be in line for a return come Round 5.

The former SANFL ruckman could not have made a bigger impact during his first appearance in St Kilda colours, booting three goals, taking 10 marks and racking up eight score involvements to make an outstanding first impression.

Considered by stand-in coach Brendon Lade to be "unlucky" to miss out on selection last week as the Saints opted to take in a smaller forward line, Ryder's absence now sees the opportunity for the 25-year-old to truly cement his place in the senior line-up should he be selected.

Hayes was selected as an emergency for Round 4 and did not play any minutes in Sunday's VFL match against Box Hill.

Tom Campbell

Signed last November to bolster St Kilda’s ruck stocks, Tom Campbell may find himself lining up against the Suns this Saturday after a series of solid performances in the VFL.

The former Bulldog and Kangaroo has impressed in his three outings for Sandringham thus far, with his last game seeing the ruckman pull down 31 hit-outs to go with 19 disposals, nine clearances and seven inside-50s.

With nearly a decade of experience within the AFL, Campbell may be a valuable asset to the St Kilda midfield against the 126-game Jarrod Witts, and with an average of 35.5 hit-outs and 18 disposals per game at for the Zebras, the No. 38 could see his name selected for a Saints debut come Round 5.

Jack Higgins

After missing last week with concussion, Jack Higgins will be chomping at the bit to pull on the St Kilda guernsey once more.

The 23-year-old live-wire has been a vital part of the Saints’ forward set-up early in the season, giving his side an important option inside-50 once the ball hits the ground.

Higgins booted four goals against the Dockers out west and looked dangerous against Richmond the following week before he was subbed out of the game following a head knock.

With St Kilda's forward line having fired for 22 goals against the Hawks on Sunday, the possible addition of Higgins could make life tough for opposition defences. 

In contention

Sitting on 99 career games and having impressed in his outings at the VFL level, Dean Kent will be keen to bring up the triple figures against the Suns.

The No. 25 looked the part at the MCG for Sandringham as he kicked two goals to go with his 21 disposals and seven inside-50s.

Versatile across the ground, Kent has given Development and VFL Senior Coach Jake Batchelor the option of either utilising him up forward or putting him into the engine room to get some explosion out of the middle.

Another who showed some grit at the ‘G was Jack Bytel, who fought his way to 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions and six clearances as he helped kickstart the in the second half.

The powerful utility has made a name for himself at RSEA Park as a natural ball-winner, sturdy inside player and strong tackler, and will have an eye on breaking back into the starting 22.

Ryan Byrnes will be in a similar situation his midfield partner, eager to earn a place back into the St Kilda starting side after a stint as the unused medical sub against Hawthorn.

The new No. 13 last appeared on-field against Fremantle and looked solid last week against Richmond in the VFL, where he booted a goal and snared 23 disposals in showery conditions.