ST KILDA has made two changes from the team that lost to Sydney last week, bringing Farren Ray and Jack Lonie back in at the expense of the retired Adam Schneider and ruckman Tom Hickey.
Lewis Pierce, Luke Delaney and Jack Sinclair have been named as the three emergencies against the second-placed West Coast Eagles.
“We’ve missed Jack Lonie’s pressure that he puts on the opposition,” Alan Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.
“It’s great to have him back in the team and we know he’ll be good for us both offensively and defensively.”
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Lonie has not played senior footy since he injured his leg in round 19 against Fremantle, but has notched 17 games in his debut year for 12 goals.
Meanwhile, Ray returns to the team after missing last Sunday’s clash against Sydney.
After recovering from hamstring surgery in the first half of the year, the 29-year-old played every game from round 10 to 16, before losing his place in the side and regaining it for the draw against Geelong a fortnight ago.
“It’s good to have Farren’s run and leadership back in our team,” Richardson said.
“He’s able to play midfield and back, but his experience and his leadership is a real positive.”
The 204-gamer averages 18.2 disposals per out across his career.
St Kilda’s VFL affiliate Sandringham will take on Williamstown in a qualifying final at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday.
WA open training: Friday
B: Dempster Goddard Fisher
HB: Geary Roberton Webster
C: Ray Armitage Newnes
HF: Montagna Riewoldt Ross
F: Weller Bruce Lonie
FOLL: Holmes Steven Ross
I/C: Savage, Gilbert, Murdoch, Minchington
EMERG: Pierce, Sinclair, Delaney
In: Ray, Lonie
Out: Schneider (Retired), Hickey (Omitted)