Young St Kilda key forward Paddy McCartin will return for Saturday’s clash with Sydney at Etihad Stadium, along with midfield recruit Koby Stevens and athletic wingman Daniel McKenzie.
McCartin, 21, hasn’t played for the Saints since Round 3, spending the last five weeks at Sandringham where he has booted 18.10 to be the VFL’s leading goal kicking.
The 2014 No. 1 pick, who said earlier in the week he’s doing everything in his power to earn a recall, hauled the Zebras over the line last Sunday to cement his return, kicking 4.5 from 18 disposals and 14 marks, including seven contested grabs.
After missing the 19-point win over Carlton due to suspension, 25-year-old midfielder Stevens come straight back into Alan Richardson’s team, with his replacement, Luke Dunstan, retaining his spot after a strong effort against the Blues.
Having missed the start of the year after a bout of food poisoning, Stevens worked his way into the senior side in Round 6 where he collected 28 possessions (12 contested), before following up his maiden appearance with identical numbers a week later.
McKenzie, who turned 21 on Wednesday, will cap off his birthday celebrations with his first appearance for 2017 after he was rewarded for sustained excellence in the VFL.
Having been named as an emergency for each of the last three games, the Victorian utility has been banging on the door for some time and was finally rewarded on Thursday night with his first senior game since the last round of last season.
Key forward Josh Bruce and midfielder-forward Darren Minchington have both been left out of the side, while half-back Jimmy Webster broke his hand last weekend and won’t be available until after the bye.
St Kilda Captain Jarryn Geary will qualify for life membership this weekend when he runs out for the 150th time in red, white and black.
The ultra-reliable small defender has proven to be one of the Saints’ most economical picks ever after he was plucked at pick No. 58 in the 2006 Rookie Draft.
Young leader Jack Newnes will also celebrate a milestone at Etihad Stadium on Saturday when he reaches the century.
The hard-running wingman has raced to the milestone on the back of playing the last 74 in succession – the 11th longest streak of any current player.
While St Kilda has won their last three games – the equal best streak during Richardson’s reign – the Swans have won the last six encounters between the two sides and eight of the last nine.
John Longmire’s team have won the last four games by an average margin of 74.3 points, including the only game in 2016 by 70-points. Sydney only led by five points at half-time in that game, before a 15 goal to four second half.
After starting the year winless after six rounds, Sydney has clicked into gear across the last fortnight with two emphatic victories over Brisbane and North Melbourne.
Round 9 Team v Sydney
Saturday May 20 at 1.45pm
Etihad Stadium
B: Jarryn Geary, Nathan Brown, Daniel McKenzie
HB: Jack Newnes, Jake Carlisle, Dylan Roberton
C: Jack Billings, Jack Steele, Leigh Montagna
HF: Jade Gresham, Nick Riewoldt, Mav Weller
F: Tim Membrey, Paddy McCartin, Jack Sinclair
R: Billy Longer, Seb Ross, Jack Steven
Interchange: Luke Dunstan, Blake Acres, Sam Gilbert, Koby Stevens
Emergencies: Shane Savage, Josh Bruce, Darren Minchington
IN: Koby Stevens, Daniel McKenzie, Paddy McCartin
OUT: Jimmy Webster (hand), Josh Bruce (omitted), Darren Minchington (omitted)
Milestones: Jarryn Geary – 150 games, Jack Newnes – 100 games
