The fifth-placed Saints host the red-hot Blues on Sunday in a Marvel Stadium blockbuster.

Catch up on all the latest ahead of Round 21.

Will Max play?

Max King will be put through his paces at training this week to assess his availability for Sunday's clash.

The star forward has missed the last three weeks after re-injuring his shoulder but is hopeful to return against the Blues.

Ross says... "That's a really good question ... he'll train and have more contact. This morning he gave me a pat on the shoulder – I don't know how to interpret that, whether he feels sorry for me or, 'It will all be OK coach'."

Decisions at the selection table

Whether King puts his hand up for selection or not, Ross and his coaching group will have several choices to make.

Tim Membrey made a successful return in the VFL and is available for selection, while Anthony Caminiti's one-match suspension was thrown out at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

Nick Coffield and Jack Hayes also played VFL over the weekend in their quests for a senior return.

Ross says... "We just haven't had them (senior players available), so our kids have been incredible to be honest. Tim Membrey played his first game back at Box Hill and looked good...things are coming together at the right time of the year."

Backing in the skipper

Jack Steele's negating role in the second half on opposing skipper Patrick Cripps was a key factor in the Saints' Round 6 win over Carlton.

But after a resurgent run of form in recent weeks, the Boss said he has no plans of using the midfielder in a shutdown role again on Sunday.

Ross says... "Look, I haven't been fortunate enough to see the best of Jack - he was struggling through those niggles. But I've certainly seen it over the last few weeks - his spread and his run...I think we're going to see Jack at his best so I'm more inclined to back Jack in to be truthful."

Ross and SOS 

Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni is part of the St Kilda family as List Manager and the Boss says he's been leaning on his close friend ahead of facing the Blues.

Ross says... ""He's been relentless at my office door – he knows them intimately. He's a great Carlton person...but he's fiercely St Kilda at the moment."

Get to Marvel Stadium!

The Boss urged the Saints' faithful to bring their best on Sunday in what's sure to be a roaring crowd under the roof.

Ross says... "We've got belief in our system and our effort. It should be a full house - Marvel's a great stadium when it's full, so I implore our members to get along. Don't believe the (negative) narrative."