St Kilda will be forced to make at least one change ahead of this weekend with rebounding defender Jimmy Webster set to miss at least the next two games with a broken hand.
While the Tasmanian has been in career-best form across the first two months of the season, the Saints are well stocked at half-back and have several readymade replacements waiting in the wings.
Shane Savage hasn’t played since Round 3 but has been in strong form at Sandringham across the last month, while Daniel McKenzie has been knocking on the door for some time now and could be the first cab off the rank.
Despite finishing 2016 strongly and inside Alan Richardson’s team, McKenzie hasn’t featured yet at senior level this season, although he has been named as an emergency in the last three games and even travelled to Tasmania with the team in Round 6.
Father-son recruit Bailey Rice is yet to make his debut but given his outstanding start to the season in the VFL could be right in the mix. The polished small defender has been named in Lindsay Gilbee’s best players in each of the last four games.
Off-season acquisition Koby Stevens missed last Saturday’s win over Carlton due to suspension but should come straight back into the team given his performances before the one-game ban.
The former Western Bulldogs and West Coast midfielder collected 28 disposals and both of his first two outings as a Saint.
Although the match committee will have plenty to think about given the fact his replacement Luke Dunstan performed strongly against the Blues, collecting a near personal best 28 possessions, five inside 50s and four tackles.
And then there is Paddy McCartin. The young spearhead couldn’t have done much more to press his claims for a senior recall.
McCartin, 21, dragged Sandringham across the line last Sunday with a brilliant last quarter performance. He booted 4.5 for the day from 13 marks and 18 disposals, taking his tally to 18 goals from five games to lead the competition.
Has he done enough to earn another opportunity at senior level?
