After a dogged victory on the road against Gold Coast, the Saints suddenly find themselves on a two-game winning streak for the first time this season.
But to make it three on the trot will be no easy feat, with a red-hot Geelong side – fresh off a 63-point thumping of the reigning Premiers – next on the agenda.
With a considerable amount of experience waiting in the wings, there will be plenty to ponder before the Saints take the Friday night stage.
Seb Ross
Seb Ross doesn't miss too many games, but last week was a special reason.
The now-father-of-three was a late out for the clash against the Suns after his wife, Marnie, gave birth to twin boys last Friday, seeing Mason Wood take his place in the starting line-up.
The two-time Trevor Barker Award winner has been a consistent and integral cog of St Kilda’s midfield this season, averaging 23 disposals, four clearances and four inside-50s from his seven appearances.
If selected to take on Geelong, Ross could either serve as one of the Saints’ major ball-winners or put the clamps down on one of the Cats’ on-ball drivers.
No matter which role he fills, his addition to St Kilda’s line-up will be crucial in its mission to topple the Cats.
James Frawley
After a successful return to the VFL against Box Hill, veteran James Frawley is a chance to make his St Kilda debut this week.
The former premiership player has the experience and lock-down expertise that would be useful against the tall timber of the Geelong forward line.
With Jeremy Cameron, Tom Hawkins and Gary Rohan all booted 15 goals between them last week, the 32-year-old Frawley could be an option to quell the impact of the Cats.
It would be his first game of AFL footy since the AAMI Community Series where he suffered a hamstring injury, keeping him out of action for two months.
Jack Lonie
Unused as a medical sub last week, Jack Lonie will be keen to break into the senior line-up for Friday's clash.
The small forward had a scintillating match for Sandringham in the VFL last fortnight, booting three goals and nabbing 22 touches, with his manic pressure inside the forward arc particularly impressive.
This performance earned him a trip to Queensland as an emergency, but he will be looking to do one better and put on the guernsey come Friday.
In Contention
Young defender Tom Highmore remains a chance to return to the senior level after a strong showing against Box Hill in the VFL last fortnight.
The 23-year-old was best-on-ground for the Zebras, collecting an impressive 30 disposals and 14 marks before receiving increased attention from the opposition after half-time.
Ben Long will be hoping to break out of the emergency vest and back into the senior side, while Dean Kent is in available after suffering a concussion in Round 3 of the VFL.
Shaun McKernan could also come in to stretch the Cats’ defence, while Luke Dunstan could pack a punch in the engine room after amassing over 80 touches in his past two VFL outings.
Meanwhile, co-captain Jarryn Geary will return through the VFL this weekend after ankle surgery last month.
