ST KILDA has finalised its 22 ahead of Sunday’s game against Port Adelaide.
Daniel McKenzie, Tim Membrey and Tom Hickey are three inclusions, while Nick Riewoldt (Rested), Jack Lonie (Rested) and Sam Gilbert (Quad) will miss.
McKenzie has not played for the Saints since he was concussed late in the club’s win over Brisbane in round nine.
The 19-year-old’s VFL form has been strong, although he missed a game with a virus a fortnight ago.
“It’s good to have Daniel back,” Alan Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.
“We like his run, courage and his ability to win the ball whether it’s at ground level or in the air. He’ll give great energy and spirit to our team.”
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While McKenzie is likely to play on the wing and at half-back, Membrey will play an important role up forward in the absence of Nick Riewoldt and Jack Lonie.
The ex-Swan, who has played 10 games since arriving from the Harbour city in the off-season, booted three goals in Sandringham’s 45-point win over Richmond last weekend.
“Tim has obviously been playing predominantly AFL football this season but has spent that last few weeks in the VFL,” Richardson said.
“He bounced back with a strong performance at VFL level and the coincided with Riewoldt going out which gives him another chance to impress.”
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Membrey will form a new-look forward-line alongside Tom Hickey, who will also spend time in the ruck instead of Josh Bruce.
“Tom has had strong form at VFL level and has earned his opportunity to come up against two strong ruckman,” Richardson said.
“Given the fact Nick Riewoldt won’t play, we need Josh Bruce to spend more time forward and as a result need another ruckman.”
“It’s good to have Tom back in the team to play both as a forward and in the ruck.”
Seb Ross, Cameron Shenton and Nathan Wright have been named as the emergencies, and barring a late change, will not play at all this weekend due to Sandringham having a VFL bye.
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B: Geary Goddard Dempster
HB: Savage Fisher Roberton
C: Newnes Armitage Webster
HF: Montagna Bruce Sinclair
F: Weller McCartin Hickey
FOLL: Longer Dunstan Steven
I/C: Templeton, Schneider, Membrey, McKenzie
In: Hickey, Membrey, McKenzie
Out: Riewoldt (Calf soreness), Gilbert (Quad), Lonie (Rested)
