St Kilda will be looking to return to the winners list this Saturday night as they take on Sydney in the annual Pride game.
With three key Saints facing tests this week, plus promising performances in the VFL, St Kilda have a couple of important decisions to make at the selection table.
Paddy Ryder
Missing last week against the Blues, the Saints midfield is likely to be bolstered by the return of Paddy Ryder.
Assuming he passes a fitness test at training, the St Kilda ruckman could return to the side to take on the Swans at Marvel Stadium and partner once again with Rowan Marshall.
Currently averaging 30 hit-outs for the season, the Saints’ engine room would be boosted by the return of the 33-year-old ruckman.
Jack Sinclair
The embodiment of toughness in the St Kilda line-up, Jack Sinclair will be itching for a return to the side this weekend.
The 26-year-old was sidelined against Carlton with a hamstring injury, but should he pass a fitness test this week, he will be available for selection.
Sinclair has been a vital cog across the ground for the Saints, averaging 21 disposals, seven contested possessions and four score involvements per game.
His impact throughout different areas of the field has been pivotal for his side, as he sits third for the Saints in intercept possessions, fourth for contested possessions and fifth for pressure acts.
Daniel McKenzie
Having missed the last two weeks with concussion, Dan McKenzie will be available for selection should he pass a fitness test.
The 25-year-old was in solid form following his return to the side in Round 15, playing in four straight games before he was knocked out against the Power.
A handy option on the wing for Brett Ratten, McKenzie has strung together a series of impressive performances before his concussion, picking up 14 disposals and booting two majors against the Tigers, before backing it up in outings against Collingwood (21 disposals, one goal) and Brisbane (18 disposals, one goal).
In Contention
With Dougal Howard out with a hamstring injury, Darragh Joyce and James Frawley remain options for the Saints in the backline.
The Irishman worked well with the 32-year-old veteran for Sandringham on the weekend, as Joyce nabbed 24 disposals and kicked a goal against the Blues while the veteran Frawley himself had 19 touches and also pulled down eight marks.
Jack Bytel also continues to put his hand up at the selection table with another impressive performance against the Blues on Saturday.
The 21-year-old collected 27 disposals and laid 10 tackles in another promising outing, with his manic pressure and attack on the footy on show at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
Meanwhile, Dan Hannebery is set to continue his stint in the VFL this week as he works his way back from an injured-plagued season.
The former Sydney midfielder returned for the Zebras against Essendon, picking up 12 disposals and booting a goal, before grabbing 18 touches and kicking a major against Carlton on the weekend.
