With Brett Ratten hinting at sweeping changes following last Saturday's match against Fremantle, several Saints are in the running for a senior recall.

Experienced defenders, fleet-footed forwards and prospective debutants are all in the mix for Monday's clash against the Crows at Adelaide Oval, which now shapes as a must-win for the red, white and black.

Ryan Byrnes

There may not have been a scratch match for Ryan Byrnes to stake his claim this weekend, but the untried Saint remains a frontrunner to come into the side for Round 7.

The 19-year-old has been selected as an emergency for the past two weeks off the back of best-on-ground performances against Richmond and Carlton.

Now, Adelaide Oval could become the young Saint’s first hunting ground as he looks to make his mark in the red, white and black.

Jack Sinclair

After being named as an emergency six times this season, Jack Sinclair is ready to make his mark in the senior line-up in 2020.

The hard-running wingman was last sighted in Round 23, 2019, but is now looming as a likely inclusion for Monday night’s clash against the Crows.

Sinclair slotted three goals floating between midfield and half-forward last week against the Carlton reserves, and if he’s able to carry that form into Round 7, will add a great deal of polish to the Saints’ offensive.

Shane Savage

With Ben Long expected to miss through suspension, Shane Savage shapes as a steadying influence across the Saints’ half-back line.

The seasoned defender is yet to make his 2020 debut, but has sewn together consistent performances in the club’s practice matches against Collingwood, Richmond and Carlton to reassert his case for selection.

Savage was one of seven Saints to play every game in last season, topping the club’s count for rebound-50s and effective kicks.

Jimmy Webster

Saints fans have been itching to see Jimmy Webster back in the line-up, but they may not have to wait much longer to see him back in St Kilda colours.

The 93-gamer has missed a sizeable chunk of footy through hand and back injuries, but has built his fitness and game-sense over the past few weeks to mount a compelling case for a long-awaited recall.

With Ben Long (pending suspension) likely to be sidelined, Webster could slip seamlessly into the starting 22 to maintain the Saints’ sharpness and precision on the rebound.

Ed Phillips

If additional outside run is what the Saints are after, Ed Phillips firms as the ideal candidate.

The running machine has been named as emergency once this season and is inching towards his first senior appearance in over a year.

Phillips’ strength comes from his outside run and endurance, but the 22-year-old showed he’s more than capable of moving inside after playing a commendable showing against the Blues last week in the slippery conditions.

Nicholas Hind

Nicholas Hind could remedy the Saints’ need for speed up forward if he’s able to squeeze back into the starting 22.

The 25-year-old was omitted following St Kilda’s clash against Collingwood in Round 3, but has continued to provide his customary spark in the following scratch matches.

Hind’s cleanliness in dewy conditions and speedy set of wheels have held him in good stead across his short career, and could do so again should he return against Adelaide this week.

In contention

All-Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder lies in wait as he creeps closer towards his 250^th match.

Ryder was particularly strong against in last week’s scratch match against the Blues, showing his skill at ground level with nine tackles.

Jack Bytel continues to build nicely and is likely to join Byrnes in making his debut at some point this season.

Defenders Nathan Brown, Dylan Roberton, Daniel McKenzie and Logan Austin could all reinforce the defensive end, while Matty Parker and Doulton Langlands’ grunt and aggression have the potential to bolster the offensive half.

Oscar Clavarino (hamstring) and Jack Mayo (concussion) have also returned to the training track after completing their respective recoveries.

Round 6 line-up

IN: Jones
OUT: Hannebery (injured)