Emerging St Kilda midfielder Jack Billings will return for his first game in over a month on Sunday, while rebounding defender Shane Savage has been ruled out of the clash with Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Midfielders Jack Sinclair and Eli Templeton have been rewarded for strong form in the VFL with spots in the preliminary 25-man squad, along with dangerous half-forward Cam Shenton who is line for his first game since late last season.

Savage has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash after suffering a concussion in the win over Essendon last weekend. The 24-year-old came from the ground late the third quarter after a big collision with Essendon spearhead Joe Daniher and took no further part in the game.

2013 No. 3 pick Billings returns after a dominant performance in the VFL last weekend. In his first game back from an ankle injury, and second after being dropped last month, the smooth mover amassed 45 possessions (20 contested) and five tackles against Coburg, knocking down the selection door in the process.

Second-year midfielder-forward Sinclair hasn’t played in the senior side since Round 10’s win over Fremantle, but following a red-hot fortnight at Sandringham he has worked his way back into Richardson’s squad.

The Oakleigh Chargers product collected 36 possessions, 10 inside 50s and eight tackles against Coburg last Saturday in a best on ground performance.

Forgotten utility Shenton has also been recognised for his sustained patch of form at Sandringham. Playing predominantly across half-forward this season, Shenton has booted four bags of three goals this season, emerging as a potent option on transition and inside forward 50.

Last weekend’s carryover emergency Templeton has also been named on an extended bench following strong form with the Zebras. The Tasmanian hasn’t played at AFL level since Round 4, but has been one of Paul Hudson’s prime movers in the VFL.

Hard-nosed midfielder Luke Dunstan will play his 50th game against the Demons. The 2013 No. 18 pick debuted against Melbourne in Round 1, 2014 and has played all but one game this season, averaging 18.2 possessions, 4.8 tackles and 3.4 clearances.

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