It is a simple equation for St Kilda on Friday night: win, and a shot at September remains.

With Brisbane looking to stake their claim for a place inside the top-four, the St Kilda selection panel will need to strike the right team balance if they want to topple the men in maroon. 

Zak Jones

Friday night is set up to be a ferocious encounter, and Zak Jones might just be the man to add that extra mongrel inside.

The 27-year-old midfielder donned the medical sub vest last week against the Cats, coming on in the second quarter to replace Dan Hannebery, but has not started on field in nearly a month.

With Hannebery a test for this week, the Saints will be looking to add some further experience to the side, as well as another hard body to go up against the Lions midfield.

Averaging 20 disposals, four tackles and four clearances for the season, the Saints are well aware of what Jones brings to the table and may look to bring the former Swan back into the starting line-up in the penultimate round of the year. 

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera

In what has been a season full of ups and downs, one of the shining lights has been the emergence of young talent Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.

Taken with pick No. 11 at the 2021 National Draft, the South Australian speedster has been a revelation this year, impressing the St Kilda faithful with his pinpoint accuracy and speed along the wings.

With Geelong's clean execution standing out in contract to the Saints, it may be time to recall the 18-year-old back to the side to add some further run and class by foot

Having appeared in 14 games this season, Wanganeen-Milera has shown what he is capable of at the top level and will be keen to re-join his fellow first year alumni in Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager this weekend against Brisbane.

Tom Campbell

It was a "colossal" game from Tom Campbell last Sunday, according to VFL Senior Coach Jake Batchelor, who once again proved just the type of impact he can bring onto the footy field.

The seasoned ruckman was a force at GMHBA Stadium, collecting 28 disposals, 34 hitouts, eight marks, six inside-50s, five clearances and two goals in a monstrous display for Sandringham.

Sunday’s outing was the fourth game straight that Campbell has notched up 25+ disposals and 30+ hit-outs in a match this year.

With the impressive form of incumbent ruck Rowan Marshall over the past month, the Saints may look to partner him with Campbell in a similar vein to the Paddy Ryder/Marshall combo that has worked so well throughout the 2022 season.

In contention

Jarrod Lienert is another who may be in line for a senior recall after another solid performance for Sandringham over the weekend.

The former Power defender was used as both along the half-backline and on the wings, and his flexibility in both roles may see his name brought up as an option to take on the Lions.

Similar to Lienert, Ryan Byrnes could also be in line for a return to St Kilda colours after an admirable output in the VFL on Sunday.

Byrnes gathered up 15 disposals, six tackles, five clearances and one goal on limited minutes, and will be keen to break back into the 22 this Friday night.

Daniel McKenzie will also be seeking to make a return this week, with the 26-year-old aiming to make a comeback from a persistent calf complaint.

Meanwhile, Jack Bytel continues to build his form after a return from injury just two weeks earlier.

The 22-year-old looked solid in just his second game back, putting up numbers of 28 disposals, six tackles and five clearances in an impressive game.