St Kilda will be eyeing off a chance to get back on track come Saturday afternoon.
Taking on an in-form Hawthorn, who had a strong come-from-behind victory down in Tasmania, the feat to get back on the winners’ list will come as no easy challenge.
With Daniel McKenzie missing due to a one-match suspension, Senior Coach Brett Ratten will be forced to make at least one change.
However, a key Saint has already put his hand up for selection following a strong showing in the VFL.
Paddy Ryder
The Saints’ ruck stocks are set to be bolstered, with Paddy Ryder primed for a return to the side after a dominant performance for Sandringham.
The All-Australian ruckman took to the field for the Zebras in his first competitive hit-out of the year, and looked as though he hadn’t lost a step, racking up 32 hit-outs, 18 disposals and a goal.
The 33-year-old would be a welcome addition for the Saints, and his inclusion would reunite the combination of Ryder and incumbent ruckman, Rowan Marshall.
“To have Paddy back, it’ll allow us to do things with (Marshall), and Paddy can go forward and mark it,” Senior Coach Brett Ratten said on Sunday.
“He marked the ball really well (in the VFL), it was pretty slippery in the second half.
Ryan Byrnes
It has been a solid start to the season for Ryan Byrnes, who continued his run of good form on Saturday, racking up 25 touches against Port Melbourne.
It comes off the back of a 21-disposal, eight-mark game from the young speedster last weekend against Richmond, where he made his return after a hamstring injury sidelined him in February.
If he were to break back into the senior side, it would be the 19-year-old’s first game since his debut last season against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
Jimmy Webster
Defender Jimmy Webster is a chance to return to the side this week following a groin injury sustained against the Tigers.
Webster, who also missed the clash against Essendon due to concussion, was ruled out of the game against the Power, but is likely to be available for selection.
The 27-year-old is only three matches shy of his 100-game milestone.
In contention
Midfielder Luke Dunstan collected a monster 46-disposal haul on Saturday, responding well to his omission from the senior side.
The 26-year-old worked well with Paddy Ryder, with Brett Ratten mentioning Dunstan’s name would be talked about at the selection table.
Meanwhile, Jack Bytel could find himself named in the 22 this week, after he gathered six touches against Port Adelaide, coming on as the medical sub for Bradley Hill.
Tom Highmore and Mason Wood are also options for Ratten, as both were named as emergencies for the trip to Adelaide.
On the VFL front, defender James Frawley is set to line up for Sandringham this week following a hamstring injury, with 32-year-old a chance to return for the Round 8 trip to the Gold Coast.
