NINE St Kilda-listed players will line up for Sandringham in Sunday’s VFL practice match against the Northern Blues.
Tom Lee, Spencer White, Tom Simpkin, Hugh Goddard, Daniel McKenzie, Brenton Payne, Jason Holmes and Joe Baker-Thomas will all take part in the game, while Josh Saunders’ participation depends on his recovery from hamstring soreness.
UPDATED: Injury list
Sandringham coach and St Kilda development coach Paul Hudson was brimming with excitement ahead of the clash.
Hudson took over from Player Academy Manager Simon McPhee as the Zebras senior coach in October, 2014.
Every Monday Wednesday and Friday Hudson would spend the day at Linen House Centre before driving to Trevor Barker Beach Oval to coach the Sandringham players.
“The pre-seasons have pretty much run in parallel,” Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.
“Although the Sandy players are at University or have day jobs, their commitment over the summer has set us up for a successful season.
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“Sunday’s game will be a great chance for the guys to show off what they’ve been working on and I’m really excited to get things underway.”
Saunders missed Thursday’s NAB Challenge match against Hawthorn but should be fine to take on the Blues.
“We’re expecting Josh will be right to go after a small hammy strain earlier this week,” Hudson said.
“But if he doesn’t, it will just be precautionary and he will be well and truly fit for round one.”
Goddard, Lee and White were all named as emergencies on Thursday evening.
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The three narrowly missed selected against Hawthorn but will form a more than handy spine with Jason Holmes in the ruck.
“We really want to be a versatile side this year,” Hudson said.
“Part of this aim will be giving our guys a go in different positions in practice games and we intend to do that this Sunday.”
St Kilda players selected:
Tom Lee
Spencer White
Tom Simpkin
Hugh Goddard
Josh Saunders
Daniel McKenzie
Brenton Payne
Jason Holmes
Joe Baker-Thomas
GAME DETAILS:
Where: Visy Park, Royal Pde, Carlton.
When: Sunday, 22 March, 2015 (Development 10am/Seniors 1pm)
Entry/Viewing: Entry to this week’s game is free for all spectators, entry via Gate 2. Carlton Café will be open for spectators to purchase food & drinks.
Parking: Limited free parking available at ground or paid parking in surrounding side streets.
Media Coverage: SAINTS.com.au will publish a full match report on Saturday evening and a photo album from the game.
