St Kilda could face a lengthy selection table discussion this week as experienced heads enter the frame.

Get all the latest from Ross Lyon ahead of the Saints' Round 10 clash in Sydney against the Giants.

The Return of the King

The question on everyone’s lips for another week was the possible return of Max King.

This time around, Ross delivered some exciting news.

Ross says… “He needs to train today, needs to complete Friday and with Tim Membrey going into concussion protocols, he’ll be selected. He was so close last week, there was just a couple of things that just went against him.”

Experienced trio hoping to feature

Jack Steele, Jimmy Webster and Jade Gresham each hope to put their hand up for selection as the Saints fly north to face the Giants.

Steele sat out the final term of Sunday’s game with a knee concern, while Gresham missed the clash with his own knee soreness.

Webster returned from a facial fracture in the VFL on Sunday, collecting 28 disposals in Sandringham’s win over Port Melbourne.

Ross on Steele: “He’s got a bit of a medial (knee concern). He’ll try to train…my philosophy is if you don’t do T2 (Friday’s training session), you don’t play. We’ll see how he goes but we certainly wouldn’t risk the team with anyone who’s not 100 per cent fit.”

Ross on Gresham: “He had no structural damage – he had that knock to the knee. It was not an insignificant operation he had last year, his PCL reconstruction and some cartilage repair. He just didn’t feel he could push off it (last week) but if he says ‘I’m ready to play’, he’ll play.”

Ross on Webster: “He played exceptionally well with his run and speed. He played like a senior player at Sandringham, so he puts himself right in the path for selection.”

Learnings from Adelaide

Ross believes the Saints’ Round 9 loss to the red-hot Crows was a timely reminder of the need to bring your best week in, week out.

The Saints conceded a season-high 121 points, losing the uncontested possession count by 94 and marks tally by 48.

Ross says...: “Unusually, we got out-spread and out-worked, and that can happen. We’ll take the feedback – it’s a sharp remember when you’re not as your best, it’s a brutal competition. It’s about getting our game right and heading up to face a talented GWS.”

Goalkicking guru back on the scene  

Goalkicking guru David Wheadon was announced as the latest addition to the Saints’ football department last week to give the team an edge around the big sticks.

Ross is keen for the respected 75-year-old to get his hands dirty.

Ross says… “He’s not here to reinvent anyone, he’s just a support. He comes in well qualified but we’ve said ‘don’t reinvent the wheel, we’re doing a lot right, just lean in and support and if any players want particular advice, you can lean in’.

“It’s a part-time role but it’s an important role.”

Right with you, Zak

Midfielder Zak Jones is yet to feature in season 2023 and succumbed to an unfortunate injury setback during the week.

Ross says the group will get right behind the 28-year-old as he builds towards a late-season return.

Ross says… “It’s not ideal, I haven’t really seen him on the track since I’ve been here but he’s a beautiful kid…really bubbly. He’s feeling that pressure, so we’ve got to put our support around him and nurture him and try and get him back at the end of the year.”