Hungry to get back on the winners list after Saturday night's defeat at the hands of Melbourne, St Kilda will be looking to bounce back against Essendon in three days' time.

Brett Ratten will be forced to make at least one change ahead of Round 3, with defender Jimmy Webster unavailable after suffering a concussion during last week's match.

But several Saints, including trade recruit Brad Crouch, will be knocking down the selection door to take on the Bombers.

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Brad Crouch

Brad Crouch in red, white and black. Photo: AFL Photos.

The steady drip-feed of returning St Kilda players has remained heading into Round 3, with trade recruit Brad Crouch in line for his first game for the club.

Crouch (suspension) has missed the Saints' opening two rounds of the 2021 season, but has plied his trade in the VFL while waiting for his call-up.

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The Malcolm Blight medallist played a full game for Sandringham in last fortnight’s practice match against North Melbourne, impressing through his tough inside work and ball-winning skills.

Crouch paired well with fellow on-baller Zak Jones, who last week returned to the senior line-up following a hamstring injury.

The two are likely to reunite under the roof on Saturday night, with midfielders Jack Steele, Seb Ross and Jade Gresham in tow.

Jake Carlisle

Jake Carlisle held the number one ruck role for Sandringham over the weekend. Photo: AFL Photos.

Jake Carlisle was one of Sandringham's best in its scratch match against Werribee, but not in the position he's become accustomed to during his time at the Saints.

The 29-year-old held the No. 1 ruck role across the afternoon, winning his fair share of the hit-outs and showing notable follow-up work around the clearances.

His main strength for the day was his follow-up work, that was a clear focus for him. If he wants to add the string to his bow, that follow-up is important.

- Jake Batchelor

The big-bodied backman also impressed for the Zebras the week before, outmuscling the opposition and winning the ball in the defensive end.

Carlisle last played for the Saints in last year’s elimination final against the Western Bulldogs, before returning home for the birth of his third child.

Dean Kent

Dean Kent has been impressive in Sandringham's last two practice games. Photo: AFL Photos.

If his past two matches for Sandringham have been any indicator, Dean Kent is the ideal candidate to pack an impact in the offensive end.

The small forward split his time between the forward line and midfield, standing tall in the final term as coach Jake Batchelor challenged his young side to ramp up their contest against the Tigers.

That will be the challenge - finding that sweet spot where he can use his explosive power and we can also have him ahead of the ball.

- Jake Batchelor

Kent helped drive his side's ball movement in his new role, bringing plenty of forward pressure along the way.

The No. 25 was one of his side's most dynamic performers for Sandringham last fortnight, again switching between offence and the midfield alongside Luke Dunstan.

In contention

Luke Dunstan remains in selection calculations.

Luke Dunstan remains in selection calculations and is primed and ready to add to St Kilda’s midfield fleet.

Dunstan copped a heavy tag in the VFL last Saturday, but fought through strong opposition attention while chipping away on the inside.

Mason Wood caught the eye in his first game for Sandringham spending time between wing and half-forward while Darragh Joyce pieced together another standout performance for the Zebras, particularly through his marking and reading of the play.

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