There’s plenty on the line come Friday night, as St Kilda looks to inject some momentum back into its season with a win over the Western Bulldogs.

With a logjam of teams looking to entrench themselves in the eight, the ninth-placed Saints will be eyeing off the opportunity to put some distance between themselves and the 10th-placed Dogs.

As key players close in on an AFL return and Saints pushing for spots in the VFL, Brett Ratten will have a few options available at the selection table ahead of Round 18.

Cooper Sharman

As a high-flying forward for a majority of his career, one might think that Cooper Sharman would struggle down back, but Sunday afternoon showed otherwise.

Popped into defence for Sandringham, Development and Zebras Head Coach Jake Batchelor said that the second-year Saint looked as though he had been playing in that position “for about three years.”

The loss of Dougal Howard has forced St Kilda to reshuffle their backline, and the option of Sharman is an intriguing one, given his ability to also float forward should he be needed.

Ben Paton

After just a week in Sandringham colours, Ben Paton could see his name straight back into the St Kilda 22 come this Friday night.

Returning to the VFL for the first time in three years, the No. 33 Saint went about his business as he collected 23 disposals to go with his five tackles, five marks and four clearances in a professional display.

With the Bulldogs’ small forward stocks of Cody Weightman and Josh Dunkley presenting a danger to St Kilda's defence, Paton may be needed to quell the threat of the Dogs.

Ryan Byrnes

It was a day out for Ryan Byrnes on Sunday afternoon, who did his chances of an AFL recall a world of good with an excellent performance against Footscray.

On just 70 minutes of game time, the 21-year-old put together some strong numbers of 26 disposals, 10 clearances, seven tackles and one goal as he looks to break back into the senior line-up.

Impressing Batchelor with his burst running and impact on the contest, Byrnes is currently averaging 27 disposals from his last four appearances for the Zebras and will be a big chance to line up against the Dogs at Marvel.

In contention

Following a stint as a full-back for the Zebras on Sunday, Jarrod Lienert may be an option for the Saints this Friday.

The former Port Adelaide defender put his hand up for the task of taking on Josh Bruce, and with Howard out of action, that role down back could go to Lienert. 

Should Bruce return for the Dogs with Aaron Naughton carrying a knee injury, the No. 31 could get another chance at minimising the impact of the Bulldogs’ talls.

Ben Long is another who may be in line for a recall after being put on limited minutes in the VFL over the weekend.

The small-forward is renowned for his pressure acts inside-50 and with Batchelor saying Long looked solid for Sandringham, the 24-year-old could be close for selection on Friday night. 

Meanwhile, Leo Connolly and Jack Peris impressed at the VFL level on Sunday as their development grows, while Tom Campbell continues to make sure he is ready should he be needed in the red, white and black.