Milera was named as an emergency for Monday’s clash against Carlton following a consistent run of form in the VFL in which he averaged 19 disposals and two score assists per outing.
RELATED: VFL player breakdown
“It’s really good for Terry and really good for the team,” Alan Richardson told SAINTS.com.au on Thursday.“He’s worked hard at VFL level and he’s had an interrupted pre-season. Terry really only got going as the VFL season started and he’s played some really strong football for the past six weeks.
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While Milera has spent much of his career playing as a crumbing half-forward, the first-year coach suggested his athleticism and smarts allow him to more than one role.“He’s obviously a very talented player and very creative in front of the ball. He’s also a chance to play a little bit of footy behind the ball. We need some quality ball use and Terry obviously provides that,” Richardson said.
“He gets his opportunity and we are really confident that he will acquit himself well.”
However Milera’s gain is Gwilty’s pain, but how many weeks the reliable defender will miss is yet to be determined.
“It’s disappointing for us and Gwilty,” Richardson said.
“He gave his hammy a slight tweak towards the end of training – to what extent, we don’t exactly know yet. It’s still very early.
“There is enough to suggest that he won’t play this week though.”
RELATED: Gwilt hamstring strain
PHOTO: Dave Savell
Tom Simpkin, Josh Saunders and Sam Dunell have been named as the three emergencies, with Simpkin and Saunders set to play for Sandringham in the VFL on Saturday.Like Milera on Monday, Dunell will be the carry over emergency and will not take the field for the Zebras – instead the strong marking forward will warm-up and provide cover for the Saints on Sunday.
In other selection news, ex-Gold Coast midfielder Maverick Weller has been named on the bench against his former side, while Tom Curren looks most likely to line up on Gary Ablett after being named as the starting rover.
St Kilda will finalise its bench and substitute 90 minutes before to the first bounce on Sunday.
RELATED: Who will get the job on Ablett?
B: Dempster Bruce Shenton
HB: Webster Delaney Milera
C: Ray Hayes Newnes
HF: Jones Riewoldt Schneider
FF: Siposs Stanley Billings
Foll: Longer Montagna Curren
Int: Steven, Dunstan, Acres, Weller
Emerg: Simpkin, Saunders, Dunell
In: Milera
Out: Gwilt (Hamstring)
