A handful of players are banging on the selection door following standout performances at Sandringham on the weekend.
St Kilda’s polished trio of Jack’s – Billings, Lonie and Sinclair – all featured strongly in the Zebras 49-point win over Coburg, putting their hands up for a recall to Alan Richardson’s side.
Billings, who hasn’t played at AFL level since Round 11, was everywhere on the weekend, returning from an ankle injury in eye-catching fashion.
The classy wingman brought his own ball, gathering 45 possessions (20 contested), five clearances and five tackles against the Lions.
After playing 18 games last year, Sinclair has only managed seven so far this season, but could be in line to return to the senior setup after another standout effort on Saturday.
The midfielder-forward amassed 36 possessions (14 contested), 10 inside 50s, eight tackles and seven clearances in a well-rounded performance that earned him best on ground honours from Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson.
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Small forward Jack Lonie responded impressively after being left out of the side that faced Essendon on Sunday night. Lonie gathered 25 touches, five score assists and kicked 1.2, playing as a high half forward.
Eli Templeton didn’t play at any level on the weekend after being held over as a senior emergency for Sunday’s game against the Bombers. But given the Tasmanian’s sustained patch of excellence in the reserves, he may well be the next cab off the rank.
The 21-year-old has been named in Paul Hudson’s best players in seven of nine appearances. He collected 34 possessions, seven tackles and six clearances in his most recent outing for the Zebras.
Emerging ruckman Lewis Pierce could also be in the frame to add to his single appearance at the highest level.
The 21-year-old was an emergency last weekend, and with Melbourne possessing the in-form ruckman in the competition in Max Gawn, St Kilda may look to provide Tom Hickey with some support on Sunday.
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