It is somewhat of a rarity for St Kilda to play at the MCG. In fact, the Saints have only had nine games on the hallowed turf in the past five years.
But after knocking off Richmond at the venue last Friday night, Brett Ratten’s men will once again return to the 'G to take on Collingwood this Sunday afternoon.
With the possible return of a Saints leader, plus a handful of strong performers in the VFL, there will be plenty to ponder at the selection table this week.
Jack Billings
Jack Billings will be keen to get up for this Sunday’s game against the Pies after a knee complaint ruled him out of action for Round 15.
His late withdrawal 15 minutes out from the opening bounce meant that Leo Connolly was given a debut as medical sub, who came on during the third quarter after Nick Coffield was injured his hamstring.
Friday night was the first game Billings had missed since Round 12, 2018.
The 25-year-old will be available for selection should he pass a fitness test this week.
Billings currently sits at third in the club for inside 50s, and fourth for disposals and score involvements.
Jack Lonie
Jack Lonie’s performance in the VFL will likely see his name brought up at the selection table this week.
Leading a relatively inexperienced forward-line, Lonie brought the pressure and hit the scoreboard with 19 disposals and two important majors.
Named as an emergency last Friday, the 24-year-old small forward will be looking to do one better and don the guernsey this Sunday at the MCG.
Darragh Joyce
In his first game back from injury, Darragh Joyce was a standout in Sandringham’s 30-point win at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
The Irishman collected 22 disposals and 10 marks as he commanded his troops in the backline, working well with fellow Saints Oscar Clavarino and Matthew Allison.
With Nick Coffield set for a stint on the sidelines, Joyce could be a suitable replacement to fill the gap in the senior side.
The 24-year-old has played in three games for St Kilda this season, piecing together a strong display against Hawthorn with 12 disposals, seven one-percenters and five marks.
In Contention
Oscar Clavarino is among a number of Saints who could cover for the loss of Nick Coffield for the next month.
The young defender had 12 disposals, five marks and a goal against the Tigers at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, working well with Joyce and Matthew Allison in the backline.
Paul Hunter pieced together a prominent ruck display in the same game, pulling down 42 hit-outs, 18 disposals, eight tackles and a goal against Richmond's inexperienced brigade.
Hunter provided solid support to Dean Kent (26 disposals, nine clearances, one goal) in what was his first game back following an extended concussion lay-off.
