Saturday night under lights against the second-placed Western Bulldogs: the perfect stage for a shot at redemption.

After slipping to the Cats last Friday night, Brett Ratten's Saints will be looking to stamp its credentials against Luke Beveridge's dynamic outfit, who have won eight of their past nine games.

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Injuries to Rowan Marshall and Zak Jones have opened the door for several Saints waiting in the wings, with a series of solid outings at VFL level furthering their cases for selection.

And with co-captain Jarryn Geary inching closer towards a long-awaited AFL return, there's plenty to ponder at this week's selection table.

Jarryn Geary

Jarryn Geary returned to his first competitive game of footy since last year's semi-final. Photo: AFL Photos.

After a broken leg, ankle surgery and a great deal of frustration, St Kilda co-captain Jarryn Geary is at last on the verge of making his senior return this weekend.

The 32-year-old looked at home in last Saturday's VFL game, collecting a handy 18 disposals as Sandringham secured its first win of the year.

Geary's potential inclusion against the Western Bulldogs shapes as a welcome addition to St Kilda's young defence, but there's every chance he could ply his trade up the other end as a defensive forward.

Last season's elimination final against the Bulldogs saw the skipper boot two crucial goals in the new role, while a shutdown role on Jason Johanissen earlier in the season (Round 2) marked a successful first outing in the attacking half.

Luke Dunstan

Luke Dunstan had another strong game against the Seagulls. Photo: AFL Photos.

 

Luke Dunstan’s last three weeks in the VFL have been fruitful.

His latest performance saw the midfielder pick up 36 touches and two majors, making it 117 touches and five goals over the past three weeks.

Dunstan has dispensed most of his damage as an inside midfielder, but has been thrown up forward and on the outside to promising effect.

The No. 7 has played just one game this year, coming in as a replacement for Zak Jones in Round 5.

Shaun McKernan

Shaun McKernan has been in good touch for the Zebras. Photo: AFL Photos.

With Rowan Marshall set to be sidelined for a month with plantar fascia issue, the door could be open for Shaun McKernan to return to the side.

The key forward was last seen in the Saints’ Round 3 clash with Essendon, and has since delivered strong performances at VFL level.

McKernan has slotted 10 goals from his past four games, three of which came against Williamstown on Saturday despite battling through a shoulder knock.

With St Kilda's two-pronged ruck combination such an important asset of its game, McKernan shapes as a potential partner to accompany Paddy Ryder this weekend.

In Contention

Mason Wood had his best game to date against Williamstown. Photo: AFL Photos.

Mason Wood had his best game to date in Sandringham colours on Saturday, nabbing 29 disposals and two goals in a well-rounded display.

The ex-Kangaroo has been listed in the Saints' senior line-up four times this season – twice as an unused medical sub – and could extend that tally should the Saints want another option in attack on Saturday.

He moved well for a tall forward and got a lot of the ball. It’s the best game I’ve seen him play.

- Jake Batchelor

Darragh Joyce was solid down back with 19 touches, while Leo Connolly and Oscar Clavarino contributed to the defensive end with 18 and 16 disposals respectively.                                           

Paul Hunter is also an option for Brett Ratten, with the ruckman in a possible option to replace the injured Marshall.

Hunter snared 16 disposals, a game-high six tackles and 31 hit-outs to help the Zebras to victory.