St Kilda will be looking to secure back-to-back wins for the first time in 2021 as it turns its gaze towards a Gold Coast outfit with a spring in their step.

Fresh off an impressive win against Hawthorn, Brett Ratten could push a case for an unchanged side heading into Round 8.

But with numerous standout performances coming from the VFL this past weekend – plus a handful more players waiting in the wings – there’s a lot to weigh up at the selection table this week.

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Luke Dunstan

The No.7 has had the ball on a string this past fortnight, collecting over 80 disposals against Port Melbourne and Box Hill. Photo: AFL Photos.

Following consecutive standout performances at VFL level, Luke Dunstan’s name is bound to be brought up in selection discussions.

The No.7 has had the ball on a string this past fortnight, collecting over 80 disposals (46 v Port Melbourne, 35 v Box Hill) to spearhead the Zebras’ midfield charge.

Dunstan has been damaging up forward, bagging three goals in the opening half against Box Hill, but has also floated through the defensive end, as he looks to lock down a place in St Kilda’s starting line-up.

The 105-gamer has played just one match at senior level this season, coming in as a late replacement for Zak Jones in St Kilda’s encounter with Richmond.

Tom Highmore  

Mature-age defender Tom Highmore could be the ideal player to mitigate the Suns’ attack. Photo: AFL Photos.

Tipped to be have the capabilities to play as a tall and small defender by Jake Batchelor, mature-age defender Tom Highmore could be the ideal player to mitigate the Suns’ attack.

Highmore was best-on-ground for the Zebras last weekend, collecting an impressive 30 disposals and 14 marks before receiving increased attention from the opposition after half-time.

He did what he could - defended his man when he needed to - but the pleasing thing was he then took the space and used his strength as a marker when he had to.

- Jake Batchelor.

The 23-year-old snared the Silk-Miller Memorial Medal for his dominant display. 

Highmore was last seen in red, white and black in Round 2 against Melbourne.

Jack Lonie

Prior to last week’s omission, Lonie had played every match for the Saints in 2021. Photo: AFL Photos.

A textbook small forward performance – complete with three majors – for Sandringham could see Jack Lonie rejoin the Saints’ ranks come Saturday.

Lonie’s manic pressure inside the forward arc was particularly impressive, with his harrowing presence earning praise from coach Jake Batchelor.

His pressure was through the roof. The chasing, the harassing, the scrapping was very good to watch.

- Jake Batchelor.

The No. 13 rounded out his day with an additional 22 disposals, joining Luke Dunstan, Tom Highmore and Leo Connolly as one of the Zebras’ leading ball-winners.

Prior to last week’s omission, Lonie had played every match for the Saints in 2021.

In contention

Daniel McKenzie will be available for selection after serving his one-week suspension. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

Daniel McKenzie will be available for selection after serving his one-week suspension.

The defender-turned-wingman will be in the running for a call-up alongside Ben Long, who was particularly eye-catching for the Zebras with 25 touches at 96 per cent efficiency.

James Frawley made it through his first hit-out for the year at VFL level, while Mason Wood and Shaun McKernan each hit the scoreboard against Box Hill.

Meanwhile, Leo Connolly enjoyed a career-best 30 possessions for the Zebras and stood tall through his voice and willingness to take the game on.

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