After an unsuccessful trip to Perth, Alan Richardson and his selection committee could look to some strong performers in the VFL to provide the answer.

Following Ed Phillips’ outstanding showing on debut, Saints fans could be looking at a second debutant in as many weeks as St Kilda eyes off the four points.

VFL: Round 6 Match Report

Young defender Bailey Rice has strung together two dominant performances for Sandringham in the VFL, and he could be in line to make his long-awaited senior debut this weekend.

Taken via the father-son rule with pick No. 49 in the 2015 National Draft, the 21-year-old amassed 30 possessions and showed exemplary ball use.

Fellow 21-year-old Brandon White could earn a senior recall after a strong showing for the Zebras.

White has shown plenty of promise in his appearances for the Saints so far in 2018, and he will be looking to build on his eight senior games and play more consistent football at AFL level.

Hear the latest from the injury room

Swingman Jake Carlisle went forward in Perth when the Saints were desperate for some scoreboard pressure, but he was concussed via an errant Nat Fyfe knee and forced to sit out the remainder of the game.

The 26-year-old has been one of the Saints’ most consistent performers this year, and pending the result of concussion tests this week, Carlisle looks likely to line up against the ‘Pies on Saturday night.


Jake Carlisle looks likely to face Collingwood on Saturday night.

Jack Sinclair
was left out of the senior side after a quiet performance against the Hawks in Tasmania in Round 6.

The classy 23-year-old midfielder now has 50 senior games under his belt and will hope to add to this total by breaking back into the side that faces Collingwood this weekend.

Photos: VFL Round 6

Young spearhead Josh Battle kicked two goals in the opening term for Sandringham on the weekend.

The athletic forward has extended his contract to remain at the Saints until the end of 2020 as he tries hard to push for senior selection.

Get your Halo On for 2018

Jack Lonie has shown some promising form in the VFL, and the small forward’s goal sense could provide another avenue to goal for the Saints.

Paddy McCartin will miss for the second consecutive week after the big man sustained a nasty whiplash injury against Melbourne.