The race for the eight is heating right up ahead of St Kilda's clash with Richmond on Sunday.

Catch up on all the latest ahead of Round 22.

Midfield bounce back

A late game fade out in the engine room cost the Saints against an elite Carlton midfield last week and Ross is keen to turn the tables against the Tigers.

The inclusion of Seb Ross will help the likes of Jack Steele and Brad Crouch get back to work in the clinches.

Ross says… “We need to get our fair share of ball in the midfield. Martin’s back in, Taranto is in fine form and Prestia is a star. They’ve got a really good system…they’re a very experienced team with a lot of premiership players.”

Max and Tim together again

For the first time in 2023, Ross has the luxury of rolling out Max King and Tim Membrey in the same forward line.

After combining for a significant chunk of St Kilda’s goals last season, the injury bug has kept the pair apart until Sunday’s clash with Richmond, with Ross confirming Membrey’s inclusion.

Ross says… “Tim will play. Him and Max kicked 68 goals between them last year and we basically haven’t had them. Our young forward line has done their best but maybe it’s the right timing for King and Membrey to get to work.”

Must win?

The race for the eight is red hot with three weeks left in the home-and-away season.

With the Saints sitting amongst the glut of teams vying for a position on the grid, Ross was asked whether Sunday is a ‘must-win’ for his side’s finals hopes.

Ross says… “I’ve coached for a fair while now. Every week’s a must-win week, every week’s a Grand Final. If you approach it any different to a Grand Final, you’re taking a shortcut, so nothing changes for us.”

Honouring the occasion

Sunday marks the eighth annual Maddie’s Match, raising funds and awareness for Bone Marrow Failure Sydromes through Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision.

It’s a cause close to Ross’ heart, given his strong connection with the Riewoldt family.

Ross says… “I’m very close to the Riewoldt family. Our club is great in getting behind strong community causes so we’ll support it. I’ve got to keep the players focussed on the job at hand and I think our best way is to represent our members really well on the field and I know the Riewoldt family would be proud of that.”