ST KILDA has finalised its 22 ahead of Sunday’s round nine match against Brisbane at the Gabba,
Nick Riewoldt, Jarryn Geary, Jack Lonie and Luke Delaney all return following injury layoffs, replacing Eli Templeton, Shane Savage, Tim Membrey and Sam Fisher (hamstring).
Templeton, Savage and Membrey have been named as the emergencies.
“It’s great to have our leader back,” Alan Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.
“His ability to work in with Brucey and big Tom Hickey will be critical to our performance.”
VIDEO: Riewoldt congratulates Dustin Fletcher on game 400
Riewoldt isn’t the only member of the leadership group returning this weekend however, with Geary – who skippered the Saints in Wellington earlier this year – also named following a two-week absence due to a corked thigh.
“Jarryn is a real leader in the backline,” Richardson said.
“He gives us a great balance of defence and offensive drive. He inspires and challenges his teammates whenever he plays.”
The 26-year-old has played 106 games for St Kilda since debuting in 2008 and is one of four ex-rookie-listed players named in Sunday’s team.
Jack Lonie’s return following a concussion against Adelaide is also set to boost the Saints forward-line alongside Riewoldt.
“Jack has trained strongly all week,” Richardson said.
“He will provide plenty of energy, defensive pressure and class in our front half, working with our other forwards.”
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Meanwhile, Delaney’s inclusion appears to be a straight swap for Fisher, who will miss three weeks with a hamstring injury.
“Luke after a week of soreness comes back as our key defender,” Richardson said.
“He has been really good stopping form. It will be good to have him back.
FEATURE: Holmes cut from a sporting cloth
B: Shenton Dempster Roberton
HB: Geary Delaney Webster
C: Montagna Armitage Newnes
HF: Billings Riewoldt Schneider
F: Lonie Bruce Dunstan
FOLL: Longer Steven Weller
I/C: Hickey, Acres, McKenzie, Sinclair
IN: Riewoldt, Geary, Delaney, Lonie
OUT: Fisher (hamstring), Templeton, Membrey, Savage
