With a finals spot locked in, St Kilda head to Brisbane for the perfect test against the red-hot Lions.

Catch up on all the latest ahead of the clash.

Bridging the gap

Ross is happy with how his troops are performing in the run home, but concedes more work is to be done to compete with the very best.

Saturday’s clash with the Lions on their home turf is the perfect tune up heading into September.

Ross says… “We’re playing a very good football team on their home ground, where they’ve got a formidable record. We’re really looking forward to getting up there and challenging ourselves.

“Clearly the top four has put a gap on the rest of the competition, so we’re trying to bridge that gap this week.”

Making our own luck

Ex-Saint Jamie Cripps was the unlikely hero of the weekend, locking the Saints in the top eight through his heroics in West Coast’s upset win over the Bulldogs.

Ross had a laugh paying kudos to Cripps but reminded everyone of the real reason the red, white and black is back on the big stage.

Ross says… “Kudos to Jamie Cripps, ex Sainter. But at the end of the day, you make your own luck. We’ve worked hard and been in the eight all year, so we make no apologies for where we’re at.”

Straight swap in the guts

Ross confirmed Hunter Clark will replace Seb Ross (hamstring) in the team for the final round.

It’s not all bad news for the veteran midfielder, who could still return in time for the elimination final.

Ross says… “Hunter Clark (came on to replace Seb) so he’ll be in the 22 this week. He was very good, Hunter. We think it’s at the minor end (Seb Ross’ hamstring injury). He’ll be available for selection (for the first final) all things going well, as long as he hits his milestones.”

Good things to come

St Kilda’s exciting crop of emerging talent will benefit greatly from competing at the pointy end of the campaign.

Mitchito Owens and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera were rewarded for their sublime seasons on Wednesday, named in the AFLPA 22 Under 22.

The Boss believes their collective experience will set the club up for years to come.

Ross says… “We’ve got a number of first and second year players who’ve played lots of games of football. Not only are they playing but the accumulative amount they’ve played is at the higher end of the competition aged 21 and under, which is really exciting for us as a club. We’re planning to go to the draft and build on that.”

Big challenge for big Ro

The Saints have won four of their last five and Rowan Marshall’s dominant run of form has played no small part in their success.

Ross pumped up his big man and noted his importance in taking it up to the red-hot Lions.

Ross says… “He just works really hard and is totally dedicated. He was always a good preparer and he’s become a great preparer. Oscar McInerney is probably one that he lowered his colours to last time, so he wouldn’t have enjoyed that. It’s critical to what Brisbane do – that ruck craft and clearance and ground position. Ro’s been good but he’ll have his hands full this weekend.”