JACK Sinclair’s preparation for Saturday’s game was unusual to say the least.

Sent back to the rookie list following the news Seb Ross had recovered from his hamstring injury, Sinclair was given the weekend off and was on his way to Sorrento after spending Thursday morning at the club.

Not only was he not scheduled to play for St Kilda, but he was also rested from VFL football - just as fellow first-year players Paddy McCartin, Hugh Goddard and Brenton Payne were the previous week.

Become a member. Click HERE or call 1300 GO SAINTS.

After stating that Sinclair was the only player who could go back to the rookie list after Ross’ return, the AFL reviewed its rookie elevation process and ultimately allowed St Kilda to keep Sinclair on its senior list.

“I got told last week that it (the West Coast game) would be my last game,” Sinclair told SAINTS.com.au.

“I really wasn’t expecting to play this week and had a pretty light week on the track. I got sent home on Thursday, only to be called back to the club for a training session one on one.

“It was a bit of a strange preparation for me but I was just happy to play again.”

After a slow start, the 20-year-old worked his way into the game during the second and third quarters and finished with 15 disposals, two goals and three tackles.

It was the fourth time in eight games Sinclair has booted multiple goals in a match.

The ex-Oakleigh Charger was not perturbed by his quiet first term in which he failed to register a possession.

“I felt like the effort was there in the first quarter but I just couldn’t really find the ball,” he said.

“But then the team lifted and I was able to find a bit more of the footy on the outside. I guess seeing the other boys do it helped me a bit.”

MATCH REPORT: Saints rue slow start

With this in mind, Sinclair’s focus for Sunday’s round nine game against Brisbane reflects the team’s objective – to hit the Lions hard from the first bounce, rather than play catch-up as was the case against the Eagles on Saturday and the Bulldogs a fortnight earlier.

At quarter time St Kilda trailed West Coast by 37 points, while the margin in round six against the Western Bulldogs was 49 points at half-time.

“We just want to start well,” Sinclair said.

“It is really difficult for us to get the result if we don’t do it from the first bounce. If we start well and get ourselves into a good position, then we can finish it off.”

St Kilda travels to Queensland this week for its clash with Brisbane. There will be an open training session at The Gabba at 3pm on Saturday.