Saints determined to turn form around ahead of Round 1
While history has taught us not to read too much into pre-season form, St Kilda and Melbourne’s form in their first games of the JLT Community Series was a fair way apart. Simon Goodwin’s team moved aside North Melbourne with ease in Tasmania, while the Saints were outplayed by Carlton at Ikon Park. With only a fortnight remaining between now and Round 1, St Kilda will be desperate to find some form leading into the season. The Saints have chosen an almost full-strength side for Thursday night, with only ruckman Billy Longer missing due to a minor hip injury. Time to click into gear.
Billings and Bruce return to boost attack
After missing last week’s loss to the Blues due to different reasons, classy half-forward Jack Billings and hard running key forward Josh Bruce return for the final hit-out before the season opener. Billings, who was one of the most improved players at the Saints last year, has recovered from a minor hamstring strain. Bruce has been rewarded for a dominant display in the reserves last week, as he continues to build match fitness following an interrupted pre-season due to a knee
Can Clark and Coffield book a debut at Casey?
Nathan Brown told reporters on Wednesday he thinks St Kilda’s two top picks from last year’s NAB AFL Draft are firming for a Round 1 debut, and he isn’t the only one with that belief. Hunter Clark (pick No. 7) and Nick Coffield (No. 8) starred against Carlton last week, adding another performance to their strong
Midfield spots still up for grabs
St Kilda’s back six looks pretty settled ahead of Round 1. There is a little bit of wriggle room in