Earning a spot in St Kilda’s 22 has rarely been tougher.
But with skipper Jarryn Geary set to miss after surgery, at least one change will be made.
With St Kilda sitting at 4-1 leading into a big Saturday afternoon clash against the Crows, a host of Saints are hungry for a taste of senior football.
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Hunter Clark leads the charge after a dominant performance for Sandringham, in which he amassed 29 disposals and a goal.
The talented youngster showed his class and toughness in spades, winning plenty of his own footy inside and making a strong case for a senior recall.
Rookie-age recruit Nicholas Hind could be in line for his senior debut after another solid outing at VFL level.
The explosive half-back’s key weapons are his lightning speed and line-breaking ability, both traits Alan Richardson could call on to exploit the Crows’ front half.
Daniel McKenzie is a strong contender for selection after spending a week on the sidelines nursing concussion.
The hard-nosed backman enjoyed an outstanding first half against the Hawks before being forced out of the game, and he’d be a handy replacement for Geary.
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Another who could fill the considerable void left by the captain is Irishman Darragh Joyce.
The key defender has the ability to play on both tall and small opponents, and the pacey left-footer is looking to add senior games to his tally.
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Brandon White was named as an emergency last week, indicating the tough defender is close to a return to senior footy.
The hard-working 22-year-old has pieced together an impressive month of football in the VFL, and Zebras coach Aaron Hamill expects a senior call-up any week.
SSP acquisition Jonathon Marsh has turned heads at St Kilda, with his preparation and determination to play senior football evident from the outset.
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The big utility possesses power, speed and versatility in spades, used by Hamill on the weekend to make an impact at both ends of the ground.
The match committee will decide on the final 22 on Thursday afternoon, but this week’s selection discussion is all but guaranteed to be a heated one.
