At a glance:

  • A reshuffled St Kilda outfit is set to feature in the Emergency Services Practice Match at Morwell Recreation Reserve this Friday.
  • The 25-man squad will see a mix of untried and veteran Saints.
  • Zak Jones, Jarryn Geary and Dylan Roberton are in the mix for their first hit-outs of Season 2020.

A reshuffled St Kilda contingent is set to feature in the Emergency Services Practice Match at Morwell Recreation Reserve this Friday. 

Brett Ratten will bring a fresh 25-man squad down the highway to face the Hawks, with a blend of untried and veteran Saints making up the side. 

Hardened midfielder Zak Jones is shaping for an appearance after having his wisdom teeth removed before the opening round of the Marsh Community Series. 

GAME DAY INFORMATION: All you need to know for Friday's practice match in Morwell

Zak Jones. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

The No. 3 was a strong presence in the club’s scratch match last fortnight, using his physicality and strength to win plenty of footy. 

Skipper Jarryn Geary is also in line for a 2020 berth after sitting out last week’s match against the Hawks with a minor calf strain. 

Rebounding defender and Saints leader Dylan Roberton could join the newcomers, with Friday potentially marking the 28-year-old’s first competitive hit-out since his heart scare in the 2019 JLT Community Series. 

Dylan Roberton brings Dan Butler to ground. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

High-profile draftee Jack Bytel will be in the selection frame after being named as an emergency against the Hawks at home, with Doulton Langlands and Darragh Joyce following suit. 

New Saint Ryan Byrnes is set to have his first opportunity in the red, white and black, while defenders Jimmy Webster and Nathan Brown are strong chances to slot into the extended side after missing last week’s clash. 

READ:  Ratten excited for Saints' 'great opportunity' in Morwell

Ryan Byrnes has performed strongly in his pre-season. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

Mature-age recruits Matty Parker and Nicholas Hind are also slated to return after their off-season surgeries. 

Bradley Hill and Jade Gresham will line up in the star-studded State of Origin Bushfire Game the same evening after being hand-picked by coaches John Longmire and Damien Hardwick. 

The Saints and Hawks will meet at Morwell Recreation Reserve on Friday 28 February at 4:30pm to raise funds for and help support local emergency services workers following the recent bushfire crisis in the Gippsland area.