WHEN Sam Gilbert took the field for Sandringham on Saturday at Punt Road, his regular teammates were preparing for a game on the Gold Coast, and the number 19 jumper he has made his own was locked away in a drawer at home.

But the change of scenery didn’t bother the accomplished defender, who was just happy to be back playing football after almost four months out of the game with a foot injury.

“It was great to get down there,” he told SAINTS.com.au in this week’s VFL Spotlight.

“The boys really listened and they all wanted to learn. The way we played - we were down and then overran them in the last quarter – was great to be a part of.”

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Gilbert spent the most of the day holding forte in his customary defensive post, but ventured further afield on a couple of occasions to offer the type of rebound drive he has become renowned for in recent years.

“Offensively, late in the game his run was instrumental,” St Kilda development coach Paul Hudson said in this week’s VFL player breakdown.

“He used his legs and pumped the ball inside 50 which resulted in a Sam Dunell scoring shot.”

Sandringham’s kept its finals hopes alive on the weekend with a high-scoring 13-point win, and while Gilbert admitted he had some anxiety heading into the contest, he was satisfied with his overall output.

“Yeah I was little bit nervous but it was very enjoyable,” he said.

“I was a little bit rusty at first but I got a couple of kicks by the end and I really enjoyed it…. It was a great day, especially the way the boys played and responded.”

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Two of the young Saints who helped orchestrate the comeback were Sam Dunell (four goals) and Seb Ross (two late goals). Having hardly played with either of them at AFL level, Gilbert was impressed with their intensity throughout the match.

"It was good to see Sammy Dunell really working hard up forward," he said. "When he’s played AFL he’s done some good things, but just to see constant effort from him was really good. Seb Ross kicked a nice goal at the end to win the match also."

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Having recovered from the foot complaint that plagued him in 2013 and flared again earlier this year, the 27-year-old is intent on winning back his senior place as early as this weekend’s Lenny Hayes Tribute game against the Bulldogs.

“The body is right and I feel right to go so hopefully Richo gives me a call-up. I have run past him a few times and looked as fit as possible, so we will see how we go,” he said.

“He’s a legend of the club and he’s done so much… He’s such a leader. To get back out there and play with again would be a great honour.”

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