ST KILDA has named its 25-man squad for Sunday’s game against GWS, selecting Ahmed Saad, Tim Membrey, Jack Lonie and Jack Sinclair in an extended line-up that will be finalised on Friday afternoon.

Veterans Nick Riewoldt, Adam Schneider and Leigh Montagna have also been named but are not certain starters, while Jack Billings will get some match fitness in the VFL on Saturday after recovering from a hamstring strain.

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According to Alan Richardson, skipper Nick Riewoldt is “very likely” to skipper the team on Sunday but his availability will not be finalised until 5pm Friday.

“We still have a pretty meaningful session tomorrow,” Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.

“Saad and Membrey will play, while Lonie and Sinclair are a chance to debut following strong pre-season form.”

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Membrey, who found it difficult to break into a powerful forward line at Sydney last season, will add another dimension to St Kilda’s forward line.

“Tim is still learning and this year will be part of his continued development,” Richardson said.

“He will be a target at times and at other times he will play high and lead out for the defenders to kick to. Physically he’s mature even though he’s only 20 years old.”

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Having spent 18 months training alone, a perseverant Saad returned to the Saints in terrific physical shape as a rookie at the end of last year and was elevated to the senior list earlier today.

Adam Schneider is a strong chance to join Saad in the forward half on Sunday afternoon, and Richardson was complimentary in his assessment of the experienced left footer.

“The reason we elevated Schneids is that his body has done the right thing by him, he’s in good form and he’s trained strongly,” he said.

“We are a pretty young group in front of the footy so he will add some experience down there too.”

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Billings was close to being selected, but ultimately a lack of game time hurt the 19-year-old’s chances following a hamstring strain.

“Jack didn’t quite get there from our perspective,” Richardson said.

“He’s missed a significant chunk of this last little bit of pre-season. We just didn’t want to take any risk with him given his lack of game time in the NAB Challenge.”

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