Winning in the west is never easy. 

It's a fact we're all aware of, but the Saints will find some comfort in having done the job earlier this year against Fremantle to get their 2022 campaign underway.

Now, several months later, St Kilda will return to the same venue to bank a much-needed four points to get the ball rolling once again.

Seb Ross

Arguably the biggest potential inclusion for St Kilda’s season-shaping outing against West Coast, Seb Ross’ return is poised to have a big say come Sunday.

The two-time Best & Fairest winner was forced out of the line-up after entering AFL Health & Safety Protocols early last week, but has since returned to RSEA Park.

Ross has thrived after knuckling down his place as part of the inside brigade, consistently charting among the Saints’ best off the back of his honest approach and team-first roles on gameday.

Despite sitting out last week, Ross still charts in the Saints’ top-five players for total effective disposals (third), inside-50s (second), clearances (fourth) and disposals (fourth).

Ross has missed just seven out of a possible 146 games since 2016, never missing more than three successive games within that stretch.

Marcus Windhager

Despite being just 13 games into his AFL venture, game No. 14 for Marcus Windhager could arguably the most important of his short career to date.

After missing the clash with the Western Bulldogs due to AFL Health & Safety Protocols, the recently re-signed midfielder is in the frame for a swift recall in time for Sunday.

Although quiet last fortnight against Fremantle, Windhager has shown he doesn’t need a lot of the footy to have an impact. Eleven touches against Carlton coupled with a shutdown role on Sam Docherty marked one his most influential performances, while another 15 in a half against the Cats was just as important in the final result.

With persistent pressure and a steady accumulation of small acts punctuating his performances in his debut season, it might just be the skillset the Saints need to get over the line against West Coast.

Hunter Clark

To think Hunter Clark would be in the selection frame three weeks after his gruesome head clash – and subsequent facial surgery – against the Blue is staggering.

But the injury-hit talent has ticked all the right boxes to potentially line up in Saints colours for just the fourth time this season.

Clark’s clean use and decision-making skills are likely to be major drivers in his possible recall, with both facets for St Kilda in need of an uplift after a disappointing stretch of games.

A place on the outside could be an option for Clark this week, but his silky skills have been equally influential in previous seasons coming off half-back or as a high half-forward.

Tom Campbell

The loss of Paddy Ryder through injury may just be the opening Tom Campbell needs to get some more game-time in red, white and black.

Whether the Saints opt for a dual-ruck option this week remains up for debate – especially with Eagles ruck Callum Jamieson a test after being subbed last week (adductor) and Bailey Williams shouldering the bulk of ruck duties in Nic Naitanui’s absence – but Campbell’s form in the VFL has been more than enough to put him in this week’s selection conversation.

Campbell’s season for Sandringham has been exemplary, averaging 37 hit-outs, 20 disposals and eight clearances per game to entrench himself as one of the VFL’s most commanding players this season.

The journeyman’s most recent outing against Coburg yielded 45 hit-outs, 26 touches, 14 clearances and a Malcolm Blight-inspired torpedo after the three-quarter time siren which cleared the fence comfortably for a major score.

Campbell has played just the one game for St Kilda, coming in for Rowan Marshall in Round 7 against Port Adelaide.

In contention

Midfielder Jack Bytel could be in the mix for his maiden senior appearance of 2022 following a successful comeback from a foot injury last Saturday.

Crucial for the Zebras on the inside and when kicking against the wind, the 22-year-old closed out his afternoon as one of the visitors’ best with 27 disposals, six clearances and six inside-50s.

Jarrod Lienert remains an option to add some height to the back-six this weekend, putting in another solid 21-disposal display for Sandringham in blustery conditions.

Lienert was accompanied by Darragh Joyce (15 disposals, five rebound-50s) who could also provide another defensive option, while Leo Connolly’s run and carry was again on show and helped open up the ground for the Zebras.