Fate is in the hands of St Kilda, which has control over its future across the next three weeks as the club makes a surge towards a potential finals berth.
Sitting eighth on the ladder with three rounds to play, the Saints’ run home is not an easy one, as they are set to take on the first, fourth and fifth-placed teams - in that order - to earn a place in September.
That journey begins Saturday night, as Brett Ratten’s men make the trip down the highway to face the Cats at their GHMBA Stadium fortress.
While the task of coming away with the four points may be challenging, the return of some key Saints and youngsters knocking at the door of selection may well help St Kilda to a famous victory at the Cattery.
Dougal Howard
It's been a tough run for the St Kilda backline over the past five weeks, which has been without its key defender in Dougal Howard.
However, the return of the co-vice-captain is looming, with Howard confirmed by Ratten to line-up against the Cats this Saturday night.
It is set to be a huge boost for the Saints, with Geelong’s forward-line boasting imposing figures in Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron.
Sitting on 99 career matches, there would be no sweeter way for Howard to celebrate his 100th AFL game with a rare victory out at GMHBA Stadium.
Ryan Byrnes
In and out of the side as the medical sub, Ryan Byrnes will be hoping to shed the vest this week and start on-field at the Cattery.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been in solid form in the VFL but has found his name down as the sub five times in 2022.
Brynes has averaged 15 disposals across his six on-field AFL performances this season, and if the Saints are looking to bring some extra outside run to their midfield, they could look to utilise the No. 13 in Geelong.
Zak Jones
Grunt and attack on the footy. That’s Zak Jones summed up in a nutshell.
Omitted from the side two weeks earlier, Jones looked good against Port Melbourne last week in the VFL where he fought a hard tag and impressed with his drive, fight in the tackle, and manic pressure.
Despite his absence, the Saints know what Jones brings to the table, with the former Swan averaging 20 disposals, four tackles and four clearances.
The No. 3 will be chomping at the bit to return the senior side, and the Saints will need to consider if they want to bring in some further grit to their midfield.
In contention
After he was a late out last week, Tom Campbell could be in line for a senior recall this week against the Cats following a season of dominant performances in the VFL.
With the Cats set to utilise two rucks in Mark Blicavs and Rhys Stanley, the Saints may be tempted to recall Campbell to support Rowan Marshall and help quell the Geelong talls.
Meanwhile, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will be pushing for a return to the 22 along with Tom Highmore, who will be keen to return to the senior side.
Jack Bytel continues to make improvements as he works his way back to senior footy in the VFL, while Dan McKenzie is working towards a return of his own as he recovers from a calf injury.
