The Saints emerged one-point victors over the Gold Coast Suns in their Round 1 clash, but with a fired-up Essendon desperate for redemption this Saturday, will Alan Richardson look to inject some new blood?
Leading the pack for a call-up is surely veteran full-back Nathan Brown.
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The 30-year-old has attacked the pre-season with an intensity that belies his age, recording multiple PBs and leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.
An omission in Round 1 only due to serving a suspension, the biggest question remains: who will make way?
After the success of the debutant duo Matty Parker and Callum Wilkie against the Suns, mature-age draftee Nick Hind could get the nod to debut against the club where he played his VFL football.
Hind’s pace and explosiveness off the half-back line could come in handy against the Bombers and provide the Saints with an extra avenue out of defence.
Big man Rowan Marshall was a standout in JLT 2 against the Bulldogs and was an unlucky omission in the season-opener, the match committee opting to go for a single ruck.
The 23-year-old’s athleticism and strong contest work around the ground could complement the bigger-bodied Pierce in their crucial battle with Bombers Tom Bellchambers and Shaun McKernan.
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Blake Acres has recovered well after experiencing back tightness earlier in the pre-season, and after a strong showing for Sandringham in their practice match on the weekend, could help bolster the Saints’ midfield stocks come Saturday.
27 disposals and one goal helped the Zebras to a 22-point win over Williamstown, and staked Acres’ claim for a senior spot against the Dons.
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Hunter Clark was one of the Saints’ most impressive performers for much of the pre-season, but a late fade in that form saw him just slip out of the best 22 for Round 1.
The prodigiously talented 20-year-old starred for the Zebras alongside Acres on the weekend though, thrusting himself back into contention with a 23-disposal, one-goal display.
