St Kilda has picked a near full-strength squad for their opening JLT Community Series game against Carlton at Ikon Park on Wednesday night.
Classy half-forward Jack Billings and key forward Josh Bruce are the only regulars from last season who weren’t included in the 30-man squad on Monday, with Billings recovering from a minor hamstring strain and Bruce building his match fitness following a knee
After exposing Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield to AFLX, St Kilda has named the pair for another senior opportunity, rewarding last November’s top-10 picks for their impressive first summers at Linen House Centre.
Father-son recruit Bailey Rice and off-season acquisition Logan Austin, who was traded from Port Adelaide during last October’s exchange period, have also been included in the preliminary squad.
With Bruce out of the side and Nick Riewoldt in the early stages of retirement, budding key forward Paddy McCartin will be the focal point in attack, alongside mobile spearhead Tim Membrey, who has kicked the most goals for the club across the past two seasons.
St Kilda’s midfielders will mount their cases for a spot in Alan Richardson’s Round 1 team against Brisbane at Etihad Stadium on March 24.
Reigning Trevor Barker Award winner Seb Ross and three-time winner Jack Steven will lead the Saints’ engine room, while tough inside midfielder David Armitage will continue his comeback from the groin issues that plagued him last year.
Emerging onballers Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres, as well as the Saints’ two recruits from the end of 2016, Jack Steele and Koby Stevens, will also have an opportunity to stake their midfield claims against the Blues on Wednesday night.
After establishing himself as the No. 1 ruckman at Linen House Centre last year, Billy Longer has been given the first opportunity to lead the ruck, with tall utility Rowan Marshall also included in the squad, and likely to divide his time between the ruck and inside 50.
JLT Community Series Squad v Carlton
Wednesday, February 28
IKON Park
2. Jake Carlisle
3. Jack Steven
4. Jade Gresham
5. Shane Savage
6. Seb Ross
7. Luke Dunstan
8. Blake Acres
9. Jack Steele
11. Hunter Clark
13. Jack Lonie
14. Jarryn Geary
16. Jack Newnes
17. Dylan Roberton
18. Billy Longer
19. Sam Gilbert
20. David Armitage
21. Ben Long
22. Nathan Brown
24. Logan Austin
25. Koby Stevens
28. Tim Membrey
29. Jimmy Webster
31. Brandon White
32. Paddy McCartin
33. Nick Coffield
34. Nathan Wright
35. Jack Sinclair
37. Bailey Rice
43. Rowan Marshall
44. Maverick Weller
