ELI Templeton’s broken arm will force Alan Richardson to make at least one change to the team that lost to Brisbane on Anzac Day, with Adam Schneider now available after serving his suspension.

RELATED: Templeton undergoes surgery 

At first glance, Schneider looks to be a like-for-like replacement for the injured forward, however a number of strong performances in the VFL on the weekend may have complicated the selection process ahead of St Kilda’s Saturday afternoon clash with Hawthorn.

Trent Dennis-Lane continued his goal-kicking form for the Zebras, booting three majors to complement his bag of four the previous week.

RELATED: VFL match report 

In both performances he’s made the most of his chances around goal according to Sandringham assistant and St Kilda development coach Paul Hudson.

“Trent only had eight possessions but kicked three goals and one behind… It was pleasing the he was able to make the most of his opportunities because he got himself into good spots,” Hudson said in this week’s VFL player breakdown.

Aside from Dennis-Lane, Sandringham had two other multiple goal-kickers in its 58-point win over Casey, with Sam Dunell again impressing Hudson and providing a valuable target at half forward.

The 24-year-old took eight marks and had 18 touches and is consistently pressing for selection this season after he played four matches in 2013 and was a travelling emergency to Perth in round three.
But the standout over the past few weeks has been Maverick Weller.

The rookie has consistently shut the opposition’s best ball-winner out of the game, but on Sunday the roles were reversed. Despite a slow start to the game and a heavy tagger tracking his every move, the former Gold Coast midfielder finished with 18 hard-fought disposals and 11 tackles.

While any impending senior call-up depends on a list elevation, Hudson insisted that Weller is primed for the opportunity.

“The tackling especially was monumental and I don’t make the decisions, but if he does get elevated to the senior list then he deserves it. If not, then I’m sure he will continue to play well for us in the VFL like he has done this year,” he said.

Nathan Wright, Sam Gilbert and Eli Templeton's injuries will undoubtedly open up doors for players like Weller who have delivered consistently solid efforts at the level below. 

From a defensive perspective, Dylan Roberton was back to his best on Sunday, gathering 19 disposals off half-back, while rookie Cameron Shenton continued his superb start to 2014 with another strong performance.
With Sam Gilbert still injured, two-time best and fairest Sam Fisher might come into consideration again, while Tom Simpkin’s form for the Zebras has been excellent.

RELATED: Sam Gilbert injury update 

Simpkin’s physical presence impressed Hudson on the weekend, and after being named as an emergency in round five, the 23-year-old is seemingly on the cusp of adding to his 26-game AFL tally.

“He just loves the physicality. When he tackles and hits hard, he really makes it count, and he finished with five tackles. He thrives on that,” Hudson said.

And it’s not just the second or third year players who have been playing well for the Zebras, with Blake Acres continuing his march towards a senior debut following a 21-touch, seven-mark game in just his third match back from injury.

Whether the Western Australian is ready for AFL football is another question, but his rapid progression over the last month is certainly exciting for St Kilda fans.

RELATED: Acres on the rise