Young midfielders Ryan Byrnes and Jack Bytel have put their hands up for senior selection after both were shining lights in the Saints’ practice match at Punt Rd.
Byrnes bagged two impressive majors to go along with a mature display in the middle, while Bytel found plenty of footy in the loss.
The Saints were outclassed in the opening half and despite a more competitive showing after the main break, the highlights were few and far between.
Nick Hind provided his customary spark and voice through the middle, while Dylan Roberton was solid at half-back against an unrelenting Tiger attack.
Experienced head Shane Savage gave the Saints some run and carry off half-back, while rookie pick-up Jack Mayo worked well up the wings to make his mark.
Midfielder Luke Dunstan started the game with his trademark physicality but was withdrawn at half-time after suffering a suspected pectoral injury.
In other injury news for the Saints, Paddy Ryder was a late withdrawal from the AFL side with soreness, while Jimmy Webster was also managed, meaning he missed the practice match.
Ed Phillips and Dan McKenzie were the carry-over emergencies and hit the track at Marvel Stadium after the AFL clash, while skipper Jarryn Geary is now likely to miss the clash with the Blues this Thursday after the AFL’s fixture shake-up on Monday morning.