St Kilda has made one change ahead of Sunday’s final home game at Etihad Stadium, with retiring great Nick Riewoldt returning for the clash against North Melbourne.
After missing last weekend’s disappointing loss to Melbourne at the MCG, the six-time Trevor Barker Award winner has been cleared to play following a concussion in the win over West Coast in Round 20.
Riewoldt, 34, will play his final game at Docklands, a ground where he has played more games at than any other player in the history of the game, with his 183 appearances ahead of another retiring champion in Western Bulldog Robert Murphy (170).
Second-year half-back Brandon White has been left out of the final 22 after playing the last three games, while ruckman Tom Hickey and small forward Jack Lonie have been named as emergencies, along with White.
Despite sitting out the final
Friday Microscope: Round 22 v North Melbourne
The two sides last met a couple of months ago when St Kilda ended a six-game losing streak against the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium.
After losing three of their first five games by less than a goal, North Melbourne has lost nine of their ten games to sit in 16th position on five wins.
While St Kilda’s finals aspirations all but evaporated last weekend at the Demons’ hands, the Saints are still a remote mathematical chance.
The Saints must beat Brad Scott’s side and Richmond in the final two rounds and rely on other results to fall in their favour. It's an unlikely proposition, but where there's a will, there's a way.
Enemy Analysis: North Melbourne
Round 22 Squad v North Melbourne
Sunday August 20 at 3.20pm
Etihad Stadium
B: Jarryn Geary, Nathan Brown, Dylan Roberton
HB: Jack Newnes, Jake Carlisle, Jimmy Webster
C: Shane Savage, Luke Dunstan, Blake Acres
HF: Jack Billings, Nick Riewoldt, Jack Sinclair
F: Jade Gresham, Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey
R: Billy Longer, Seb Ross, Jack Steven
Interchange: Jack Steele, Sam Gilbert, Koby Stevens, Mav Weller
Emergencies: Tom Hickey, Brandon White, Jack Lonie
IN: N. Riewoldt
OUT: B. White (omitted)
