A very different-looking St Kilda side could be set to run out in Round 1.
Several new faces are likely to feature in the Saints’ opening clash against the Suns on the back of some impressive form in the JLT Series.
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With Sunday’s season-opener now within touching distance, the selection squeeze is well and truly on at Moorabbin, despite injuries to Dylan Roberton and Paddy McCartin in JLT 2.
Former Demon Dean Kent looks a lock in the forward line after demonstrating his speed and class in both pre-season matches.
Meanwhile, livewire Matty Parker has leapt into contention with his unrelenting defensive pressure adding a different element to the Saints’ forward line.
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Fellow mature-age recruits Callum Wilkie and Nick Hind could also be in line for their senior debuts when Alan Richardson settles on his final 22.
Endurance king Ed Phillips has shown significant improvement over the summer and is right in the mix, while backman Daniel McKenzie appears to have recovered from a bruised heel to put himself in the conversation.
McKenzie was one of the finds of 2018, his late form surging him into ninth place in the Trevor Barker Award, and the up-and-coming defender showed his dominance on the running track before being hampered by the injury.
Blake Acres has overcome back soreness and pressed his case with a strong showing for VFL side Sandringham the same day the Saints defeated the Bulldogs.
Mature-age recruit Matty Parker has impressed over the pre-season.
Young gun Hunter Clark appears set for a midfield role but will have plenty of competition, with Luke Dunstan in form and Jade Gresham spending more time further up the ground.
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The wait continues on whether or not four-time Trevor Barker Award-winner Jack Steven can prove his fitness ahead of Sunday’s clash.
The battle for the number 1 ruck spot remains one of the biggest talking points heading into Round 1, with both Rowan Marshall and Lewis Pierce staking their claims over summer.
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Pierce was a standout on the track and started ominously in JLT 1 before being forced off the ground with concussion.
Rowan Marshall seized his opportunity in JLT 2, using his mobility to finish the second half as one of the most influential players on the ground.
With Jarrod Witts awaiting on Sunday, Richardson and his coaching team may opt to play both big men, with Marshall also able to provide an option up forward.
