St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt won’t face the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, while rebounding defender Shane Savage and midfielder-forward Darren Minchington will return at Etihad Stadium.
Six-time Trevor Barker Award winner Riewoldt pulled up with bone bruising in his left knee following the loss to Sydney and is expected to miss at least one week with the injury, which is the opposite knee to the one he hyperextended in Round 1.
After spending the last five weeks in the VFL, Savage has been rewarded for his sustained form with another opportunity in a move that should help rectify St Kilda’s inefficiency out of the defensive half.
Savage, 26, played the first three games of the season in Alan Richardson’s side before being left out ahead of the game against Collingwood in Round 4.
But after being named best on ground for Sandringham in two of the last three games, including against the Northern Blues in Preston last Saturday, Richardson has rewarded the dashing defender’s form.
Inside midfielder Luke Dunstan has been squeezed out of the Saints’ engine room, with Minchington coming straight back into the side after being dropped last weekend.
Minchington, who has played four games so far this season, was the carryover emergency against the Swans and didn’t play at any level.
With Paddy McCartin returning to the senior setup last weekend, the Saints will utilise a smaller attacking setup this weekend with Josh Bruce remaining in the reserves.
After registering their lowest score (10.8) for 2017 against the Swans, St Kilda will be looking for more contribution in the front half from the likes of McCartin, Tim Membrey (14.10), Jade Gresham (13.11), Jack Billings (9.12) and Mav Weller (7.12).
Luke Beveridge’s team have continued to be difficult to score against in 2017, boasting the third stingiest defence in the competition, averaging 84.6 points against per game.
After having their three-game winning streak – the equal longest in Richardson’s tenure – snapped last weekend, St Kilda will be eager to regain form before the mid-season bye.
Round 10 Team v Western Bulldogs
Saturday May 27 at 1.45pm
Etihad Stadium
B: Jarryn Geary, Nathan Brown, Daniel McKenzie
HB: Jack Newnes, Jake Carlisle, Dylan Roberton
C: Jack Billings, Jack Steele, Leigh Montagna
HF: Jade Gresham, Paddy McCartin, Mav Weller
F: Jack Sinclair, Tim Membrey, Blake Acres
R: Billy Longer, Seb Ross, Jack Steven
Interchange: Shane Savage, Sam Gilbert, Koby Stevens, Darren Minchington
Emergencies: Luke Dunstan, Jack Lonie, Josh Bruce
IN: Shane Savage, Darren Minchington
OUT: Nick Riewoldt (knee), Luke Dunstan (omitted)
