The stage is set for Friday night, as St Kilda looks to bounce back to form under the bright lights of Marvel Stadium.
The challenge that lays in front of them are the fifth-placed Blues, who put in a professional performance last week against fellow top-four outfit Fremantle to win by 31-points.
With the positions between second and 10th on the ladder separated by just two games, the Saints will be pressing hard to start off strongly and find their way back into the top-eight.
Buoyed by the availabilities of some key players, plus impressive showings in the VFL, Brett Ratten’s men will be looking to make a statement, while Carlton will be hoping to continue their strong form in what is shaping up to be a must-watch clash.
Jack Higgins
It might have been just the one game for the Zebras, but Jack Higgins may be in line for a return to the AFL side.
Praised for his defensive acts and explosive power when put into centre bounces, Development and VFL Senior Coach Jake Batchelor said the 23-year-old would be putting his hand up for senior selection.
Having formed a powerful one-two punch up forward earlier in the year alongside Max King, Higgins will be keen to return to that early season form that saw him boot 16 goals from just six games.
Paddy Ryder
After being managed last week, Paddy Ryder will be looking to re-join Rowan Marshall in the middle of Marvel Stadium this Friday night.
The 34-year-old ruckman has been in superb form throughout the 2022 season and is a vital part of the St Kilda structure, offering incredible tap-work in the ruck, a major target up forward and over 275 games of experience on-field.
His partnership with the newly re-signed Marshall has also become a major factor for the Saints, who have won 19 out of 30 games when both have played in the team.
Tom Highmore
In an outstanding display last weekend against the Swans' VFL outfit, Tom Highmore has once again ensured his name will be talked about amongst the selection panel for this Friday night.
The 23-year-old Canberran has been a constant thorn in the side of opposition forward lines this season, and Saturday was no different as he put together a 35-disposal, 13-mark and four-tackle masterclass.
Averaging 22 disposals and eight marks across the year, Highmore has not only impressed with ball in hand, but also without in through a leadership lens.
Praised by Batchelor for his communication on-field, the No. 34 Saint has taken control of a relatively inexperienced backline, marshalling teammates into position alongside fellow defender Darragh Joyce.
In contention
Following a two-week stint for Sandringham, Mason Wood will be looking to break back into the red, white and black to face the Blues.
Playing a mix between both up forward and along the wings, the former Kangaroo was involved in both the attacking chains and within the contests for the Zebras and will be a chance to line-up this Friday night.
Meanwhile, Bradley Hill is another who is eyeing off a return to St Kilda colours, while Jarrod Lienert could also come into contention after spending last week as the travelling emergency.
