Two games on the bounce have Brett Ratten’s Saints up and about.
But with stocks replenished and several waiting in the wings, could there be changes on the horizon ahead of Saturday’s clash with Adelaide?
Josh Battle’s potential inclusion shapes as the most exciting prospect, with the fan-favourite Saint enjoying a successful return through the VFL last Sunday.
Watch the Saints take on the Crows this week LIVE with Kayo. Sign up for your FREE 14-day trial.
The 20-year-old chalked up 19 disposals, five marks and six tackles for Sandringham, showing no signs of trouble after overcoming a knee complaint.
Battle’s redeployment down back has been a major highlight this season, with his strong contested work, athleticism and ability to read the play holding him in good stead throughout the year.
Jimmy Webster’s name is also one that will be thrown around the selection table.
INJURY UPDATE: Round 20
After a spate of back and hand injuries, the rebounding defender was unhampered in his comeback game, piecing together a 13-disposal and 10-tackle display.
The 26-year-old last featured in the red, white and black in Round 8, with his penetrating left-foot and bounce off half-back a damaging asset for the Saints to utilise against the Crows.
Defenders Brandon White and Daniel McKenzie are equally viable candidates to slot into the backline.
White’s ball-use off the half-back line has been elite all season and could facilitate several assaults forward, while McKenzie’s grit at ground level could help curtail Adelaide’s fleet of small forwards.
Bailey Rice similarly fits into such a category, as too does Jonathon Marsh, with the duo pulling through in the clinches for the Zebras.
VFL: Defensive duo make VFL return
Marsh was one of the best afield for Sandringham and was named in this week’s VFL Team of the Week at full-back for his superb defensive efforts (18 disposals, four marks, six tackles) and marshalling of the back six.
Darragh Joyce joined Marsh in the team, although in an unconventional position at centre-half forward.
The recently re-signed Saint kicked two goals and clunked five marks for Aaron Hamill’s men, presenting himself as a strong – albeit unlikely – option up forward in the undermanned attack.
Matt Parker’s manic pressure and hunt for the footy was also on full display, with the mature-age recruit racking up a game-high 11 tackles and a goal to boot.
SEB STARS: Stand-in skipper snares SOTR
Wingman Ed Phillips could also be in the mix after a string of consistent performances for the Zebras.
The endurance machine has utilised his engine to great effect over the past fortnight and finished Sunday afternoon with 20 disposals and five tackles.
A bout of gastro unfortunately has Dan Hannebery unavailable for this week’s clash against the Crows, but a swift recovery could have him in the selection frame the following week.
Jack Steven also played out a full game in the VFL, collecting 19 disposals and two goals.
St Kilda will face the Crows at Adelaide Oval this Saturday at 7:40pm.
