St Kilda has made two changes ahead of Sunday’s clash with Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, with Alan Richardson recalling a pair of Jacks in Billings and Sinclair.
The pair returns for their first senior appearances in over a month at the expense of Luke Delaney, who has been omitted and Shane Savage, who didn’t pass the necessary concussion protocols following a head knock last weekend.
Exciting game-breaker Billings returns for the first time since Round 11’s disappointing loss to Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. The classy wingman has battled an ongoing ankle issue for a couple of months, but after a stunning 45 possession performance in the VFL last Saturday, he left Richardson no choice but to pick him.
While Sinclair has also been in red-hot form at Sandringham, forcing his way back into the senior setup for the first time since Round 10. The speedy midfielder-forward amassed 36 touches, 10 inside 50s and eight tackles against Coburg last weekend, in his second big outing in a matter of weeks at the lower level.
Cam Shenton has been named as an emergency as he edges closer to a return to the senior side. The damaging utility has been one of Sandringham’s best performers this season, flourishing on a forward flank where he has booted four bags of three. He hasn’t played at AFL level since Round 21, 2015, but is getting closer by the week.
Round 17 Premiership Team
St Kilda v Melbourne
Etihad Stadium
Sunday 17 July at 3.20pm
B: J. Geary, S. Dempster, D. Roberton
HB: J. Newnes, S. Gilbert, L. Montagna
C: M. Weller, D. Armitage, J. Billings
HF: B. Acres, N. Riewoldt, N. Wright
F: T. Membrey, J. Bruce, D. Minchington
R: T. Hickey, L. Dunstan, J. Steven
Interchange from: S. Ross, J. Gresham, D. McKenzie, J. Sinclair
IN: J. Billings, J. Sinclair
OUT: S. Savage (Concussion), L. Delaney (omitted)
Milestone: L. Dunstan – 50 games
