The 19-year-old was overlooked last Friday, but put in another strong performance at VFL level to raise his name again at the forefront of the selection debate.
“The best aspect of his game was his willingness to cover the ground and spread like a midfielder,” Development coach Paul Hudson said in his VFL player breakdown.
“Lewis’ endeavour is excellent – he tackles, chases and does all the team things.”
Pierce aerobic ability has also steadily improved in the back half of the season, to the point where he ran 14 kilometres in Sandringham’s loss to Williamstown on Saturday.
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Defenders James Gwilt and Dylan Roberton have also been named, with Gwilt omitted ahead of Sunday’s game against Richmond but held over as the first emergency.Roberton has played six games for the Saints this year after finishing 10th in the 2013 best and fairest. While he was hampered by an ankle injury for much of the season, his form in recent weeks has warranted consideration according to Hudson.
“He had good presence in defence with his tackling and spoiling, and also offered quite a bit on the rebound,” he said.
The fourth addition to a seven-man interchange is Sam Dunell, the utility clunking 14 marks in the VFL after being pushed behind the ball.
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“I think he was our best player on the day,” Hudson said.
“He read the play beautifully and repelled from defence and he controlled the game from back there.”
The only omission at this stage is Sam Gilbert, who injured his foot against the Tigers.
St Kilda will finalise its 22-man on Friday afternoon at 5pm. Stay tuned to SAINTS.com.au for all the selection news and team updates.
| B: | N.Wright | L.Delaney | J.Gwilt |
| HB: | J.Newnes | S.Fisher | S.Dempster |
| C: | L.Montagna | L.Hayes | F.Ray |
| HF: | C.Jones | N.Riewoldt | D.Armitage |
| F: | A.Schneider | R.Stanley | S.White |
| Foll: | B.Longer | J.Steven | M.Weller |
| Inter From | S.Ross | D.Roberton | T.Curren |
| B.Murdoch | S.Dunell | C.Shenton | |
| L.Pierce |
In: J.Gwilt , D.Roberton , L.Pierce , S.Dunell
Out: S.Gilbert (Foot)
New: L.Pierce
