From the tropics to the MCG, St Kilda will be looking to bounce back onto the winner’s list come Sunday afternoon.

But the challenge that stands between the Saints and sitting 7-2 will be the undefeated Demons, who have yet to lose a game since Round 19 last season.

With the possible return of a young midfielder, plus the availability of a key ruckman, St Kilda will have some important decisions to make ahead of their match-up against the reigning premiers.

Ryan Byrnes

After a number of impressive performances in the VFL since his omission from the senior side, Ryan Byrnes has firmly put himself in the frame for a recall against the Dees.

The young Saint has impressed over the last few weeks, with his 25-disposal, three-goal outing against Frankston helping Sandringham to a 47-point win at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

Byrnes has averaged 27 disposals per game in the past month for the Zebras, with two added appearances as the medical sub in the AFL.

With plenty of promise shown, the 21-year-old could be a tempting option for the selection panel come Sunday.  

Rowan Marshall

After missing out against Port Adelaide up north, the Saints will be buoyed by the availability of Rowan Marshall for Sunday's game at the ‘G.

The 26-year-old suffered a corked thigh against the Giants but is in the mix to return to the starting 22 this week and reunite with Paddy Ryder in the middle for the first time since Round 4.

It is set to be a welcome inclusion for St Kilda, who will need to combat the ruck prowess of Max Gawn and the possible return of Luke Jackson to Melbourne’s engine room.

The combination of both Marshall and Ryder been a strong partnership for the Saints, who have won 16 out of the 24 games that the two rucks have played together since 2020.

Jack Billings 

Jack Billings showed no sign of rust in his first game back since the AAMI Community Series as he ran out for Sandringham on Sunday afternoon.

The St Kilda midfielder looked his classy self at Trevor Barker Oval, creating run-and carry with the ball in hand and hounding the opposition without it.

Playing as a forward in the first-half, Billings entered the midfield in the second where he would finish the game with 23 disposals, 10 contested possessions, five tackles and one goal.

Described by Development and VFL Senior Coach Jake Batchelor as “too good” for the VFL level, the No. 15 Saint is every chance to line-up against Melbourne this Sunday.

Zak Jones

Game number two for Sandringham is in the books for Zak Jones, who once again impressed in the VFL as he makes his return to competitive footy.

The former Swan had a solid game on Sunday after returning from the AFL Health & Safety protocols, picking up 20 disposals, three inside-50s and two clearances in a tidy display against the Dolphins.

While the Saints would be pleased with what they saw from Jones, the club will be looking to give him as much time as he needs after the No. 3 took time away from the game earlier in the year.

In Contention

Following another promising game in Sandringham colours, Mitch Owens has put his hand up for a Round 8 recall against the Dees.

Fresh off the plane from Cairns, the hard-bodied midfielder looked solid against the Dolphins, collecting 14 disposals, four tackles, two goals and even getting into a scuffle with his brother as he played between the middle of the ground and up forward.

With the nerves of debut now behind him after his first game in Round 1, Owens will be keen to add to his tally of AFL games and join fellow draftees Marcus Windhager and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera in the senior side.

Another who will be looking to break back into the St Kilda outfit is Tom Highmore, who also returned back to Melbourne with Owens to suit up in the VFL.

The high-flying defender was a force down back once again with 21 disposals, nine marks and three rebound-50s as he continues to lead the Zebras’ backline alongside Darragh Joyce.

A consistent performer last season, Highmore has struggled to break back into the side in 2022 with the return of Ben Paton and Josh Battle moving down back but will be looking to keep up his form and impress the selectors.

The Saints will also be pleased with the output of Jarryn Geary, who was back on full minutes for the first time this season after recovering from an injury sustained in the pre-season.

The former skipper was sent down back this week and looked right at home as he snared 23 disposals, seven marks and five inside-50s, marshalling the troops and setting up the Zebras behind the footy.