Alan Richardson has made four changes in a bid to cause an upset win over the Swans in the annual Pride Game at Etihad Stadium.

The Saints’ young backline will be bolstered by the return of big man Nathan Brown, whose speedy recovery from a knee injury means he will be the one to negate the influence of Buddy Franklin.

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Franklin has been in ominous form so far in 2018, but Brown’s 150+ games’ worth of experience, as well as his aggression and defensive nous, should hold him in good stead to challenge the Swans’ main target up front.

Josh Battle will make his long-awaited return to senior football on Saturday night, having patiently plied his trade at VFL level this season.

330 days have elapsed since the 19-year-old last tasted senior footy, and the exciting young spearhead’s high-pressure groundwork should allow the second-year Saint to impact the scoreboard.

Luke Dunstan missed the Saints’ second trip to Perth with a shoulder knock sustained in the Round 10 loss to Richmond.

The big-bodied midfielder will bring his trademark courage and hardness at the ball, which could prove pivotal against a Swans midfield lineup renowned for their attack on the footy.

Top 10 draft pick Nick Coffield also comes back into the fold after a near best-on-ground performance for Sandringham last weekend.

The Northern Knights product has made an impression so far at the elite level in his debut year and is already well-known for his composure on the ball and class by both hand and foot.

Skipper Jarryn Geary’s left calf strain means a brief stint on the sidelines, while Brandon White, Rowan Marshall and Jack Billings have all been omitted.

B: Jimmy Webster, Nathan Brown, Shane Savage
HB: Hunter Clark, Logan Austin, Bailey Rice
C: Jack Newnes, Jack Steele, Ed Phillips
HF: Jack Sinclair, Paddy McCartin, Josh Battle
F: Jade Gresham, Tim Membrey, Jack Lonie
FOL: Tom Hickey, Sebastian Ross, Jack Steven
I/C: Luke Dunstan, Daniel McKenzie, Nick Coffield, Maverick Weller
E: Jack Billings, Brandon White, Rowan Marshall, Ben Paton

IN: Nathan Brown, Josh Battle, Luke Dunstan, Nick Coffield
OUT: Jarryn Geary (inj.), Brandon White, Rowan Marshall, Jack Billings