Backs to the wall in the silence of Marvel Stadium, St Kilda came away with an impressive victory against the Swans on Saturday night. 

Now a trip down to the Cattery awaits for the Saints, who will take on third-placed Geelong at GMHBA Stadium as they look to continue their finals push. 

Despite the 22-year hoodoo the Cats’ home turf presents, St Kilda’s line-up could be boosted by some key ins.

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Dougal Howard

Dougal Howard is a chance to return for the clash with the Cats. Photo: Lucy Edwards.

The heart and soul of the St Kilda backline, Dougal Howard is a chance to return to the side after being sidelined with a hamstring injury. 

The passionate backman missed the clash against the Swans, but with the threat of Tom Hawkins, Gary Rohan and Jeremy Cameron looming for the Cats, St Kilda would be keen to see Howard take the field.  

The 25-year-old is regularly assigned to the best forwards in the league, and currently sits second in the AFL for spoils, as well as leading the club for contested defence one on ones, intercept marks, kick-to-handball ratio and spoils.

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Despite Callum Wilkie doing an outstanding job on Swans’ superstar Lance Franklin, the Saints will be hoping to see their co-vice-captain line up against Geelong.. 

The last time Howard, Wilkie and Jimmy Webster took on the three Cats’ forwards, they managed to keep them to five goals all together. 

Dan Hannebery

Dan Hannebery is in line to play his first AFL game this season. Photo: Lucy Edwards.

In what has been a frustrating year for Dan Hannebery, his hard work may be rewarded with selection this Saturday against the Cats. 

Sitting out much of the season due to injury, the 2012 premiership winner returned to footy in Sandringham’s VFL side, playing two recent games.

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In his last outing against Carlton, Hannebery slotted a goal and picked up 18 touches in a promising display for the Zebras. 

With his selection pending over the last few weeks, the time may have come for the veteran Saint to play his first game of the season. 

Hunter Clark

Hunter clark will face a test to prove his fitness ahead of the trip to Geelong. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

It has been a luckless second half of the season for Hunter Clark, but the silky Saint could make his way with the side to the Cattery this weekend. 

Returning against Carlton two weeks ago after a fractured jaw kept him out of action for eight weeks, the young defender was concussed late in the Friday night game.

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Having since observed the 12-day concussion protocol period, Clark will likely be available for selection for the trip down to GMHBA Stadium. 

The 22-year-old is averaging 20 disposals and three tackles per game this season, with his smooth hands and composure vital to the Saints’ connection from half-back to the midfield. 

In Contention

Oscar Clavarino is an option in defence for the Saints. Photo: Lucy Edwards.

An option in defence for St Kilda is Oscar Clavarino, who made his debut earlier this year against the Kangaroos. 

Clavarino has been solid for Sandringham this season, having worked well alongside James Frawley and Darragh Joyce, providing a strong presence in the air. 

Meanwhile, Jack Lonie continues to impress for the Zebras with his manic forward pressure, having booted five goals against Essendon before a one-goal, 12 disposal outing against the Blues in his last game in the VFL. 

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