St Kilda has named a near full strength side for Thursday night’s opening JLT Community Series game against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.
Reigning Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven, six-time best and fairest winner Nick Riewoldt and new Captain Jarryn Geary have all been included in the Saints’ 29-man squad to face the Power.
The Saints, who will be coached by Adam Kingsley this week and Aaron Hamill next Saturday, are also set to unveil a handful of new faces with key defensive posts Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown named, along with last October’s midfield acquisitions Koby Stevens and Jack Steele.
18 of the 22 who played against Brisbane in the final round of last season have been included in the Saints’ extended squad, which will be trimmed to a final 26 on Thursday night.
Recently re-signed midfielder Luke Dunstan, who inked a two-year contract extension with Tom Hickey last week, is set to continue his return from a post-season shoulder reconstruction after playing in last Thursday’s intra-club.
St Kilda has named a full complement of key forwards with last year's leading goal kicker Tim Membrey, newly appointed leader Josh Bruce and 2014 No. 1 pick Paddy McCartin all set for some game time together, along with champion centre-half forward Nick Riewoldt.
JLT Community Series
St Kilda v Port Adelaide
Thursday 23 February
Etihad Stadium at 7.40pm
1. Tom Hickey, 2. Jake Carlisle, 3. Jack Steven, 4. Jade Gresham, 5. Shane Savage, 6. Seb Ross, 7. Luke Dunstan, 8. Blake Acres, 9. Jack Steele, 12. Nick Riewoldt, 13. Jack Lonie, 14. Jarryn Geary, 15. Jack Billings, 16. Jack Newnes, 17. Dylan Roberton, 18. Billy Longer, 19. Sam Gilbert, 20. David Armitage, 22. Nathan Brown, 24. Sean Dempster, 25. Koby Stevens, 27. Josh Bruce, 28. Tim Membrey, 29. Jimmy Webster, 32. Paddy McCartin, 34. Nathan Wright, 35. Jack Sinclair, 36. Daniel McKenzie, 44. Maverick Weller
