St Kilda will make history this Saturday when it plays its first game in the Northern Territory for premiership points as part of the Heart of the Nation clash against Melbourne.

And as the red, white and black enters the twilight stages of the home-and-away season, Brett Ratten won't leave anything to chance in the final charge home.

Hunter Clark

An added touch of composure at the defensive end will go a long way in helping St Kilda over the line against Melbourne.

And if there’s one Saint to provide just that, plus brilliant rebounding, superb evasive skills and support to the midfield, it’s Hunter Clark.

The No. 11 was rested last weekend against Brisbane after receiving a knock to his knee in the lead-up to the match, but is a likely inclusion for Saturday’s Alice Springs encounter.

Even after missing Round 13, Clark still sits in the Saints’ top-three for rebound-50s (34), effective kicks (90) and intercept possessions (58).

And with the mercury set to climb heading into Saturday night, a cool head under pressure might just put a freeze over the must-win match.  

Jack Lonie

After lining up for the first seven rounds of Season 2020, small forward Jack Lonie has only made one further senior appearance.

The 24-year-old was omitted from the line-up against Brisbane in favour of the returning Dean Kent, but looms as a deployable offensive option should Brett Ratten opt for another small forward to cause headaches for the Dees’ backline.

This season, Lonie has slotted six goals from his eight games.

Lonie only played a half in last Sunday’s scratch match against Melbourne, joining Daniel McKenzie as a travelling emergency for the game down the highway against Brisbane.

Dylan Roberton

Five months on from his miraculous return against North Melbourne, Dylan Roberton is still on the hunt for his sophomore appearance of 2020.

The Saints’ leader has plied his trade in the club’s scratch matches ever since, providing guidance to the young brigade pressing to join the red, white and black’s senior ranks.

Now, it could be the rebounding defender’s shot to squeeze back into the line-up.

Roberton has been named as an emergency for St Kilda’s past three matches, but now has the Alice Springs night sky as a backdrop for a potential long-awaited second game of 2020.

In contention….

Daniel McKenzie is continuing to press for his first senior appearance of the year, which will bump him up to 50 AFL games.

The persistent half-back did not take part in last Sunday’s practice match against Melbourne, instead remaining fresh as a travelling emergency for Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

Shane Savage is also waiting in the wings for a recall, while Jonathon Marsh, Ryan Abbott and Matty Parker remain in the selection frame after a string of consistent performances at reserves level.

Meanwhile, Luke Dunstan and Jimmy Webster are progressing well in their recoveries from respective pectoral and hamstring injuries.

Both will be available for selection for St Kilda’s final rounds of the season.

Round 13 line-up

IN: Carlisle, Kent
OUT: Clark (rested), Lonie (omitted)