St Kilda has recalled a handful of senior players as they prepare for a full dress rehearsal against Sydney in the final game of the JLT Community Series in Albury on Sunday night.
Nick Riewoldt, Jarryn Geary, Sam Gilbert, Mav Weller, Dylan Roberton and Tom Hickey have all been included in the 27-man squad, which will be trimmed to a final 24 on game day.
With just 16 days remaining until St Kilda opens its 2017 campaign against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, champion forward Riewoldt and new Captain Geary return for their second appearance of the pre-season series.
New defensive key posts, Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown, will face their toughest task so far when they oppose Sydney Swans star forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett at the Lavington Sports Ground.
Hickey has been included after missing St Kilda’s 92-point win over Carlton last Saturday, along with Billy Longer who has put his hand up for a Round 1 berth following two strong efforts across the last fortnight.
St Kilda’s newfound midfield depth will face one of the toughest tests in the game, with the Swans possessing 2016 All-Australian’s Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery and Luke Parker, as well as Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills and recent first-round pick Oliver Florent.
The inclusion of Jack Steele and Koby Stevens has boosted an onball division led by reigning Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven, David Armitage, Seb Ross, Luke Dunstan, Blake Acres and wingmen Jack Billings, Jack Newnes and Riewoldt.
After making their first appearances against Carlton at Ikon Park, Ben Long and Bailey Rice have been left out of this week’s team, along with Jack Sinclair and Daniel McKenzie.
JLT Community Series
Lavington Sports Ground
Sunday, March 12 at 7.10pm
1. Tom Hickey, 2. Jake Carlisle, 3. Jack Steven, 4. Jade Gresham, 5. Shane Savage, 6. Seb Ross, 7. Luke Dunstan, 8. Blake Acres, 9. Jack Steele, 12. Nick Riewoldt, 13. Jack Lonie, 14. Jarryn Geary, 15. Jack Billings, 16. Jack Newnes, 17. Dylan Roberton, 18. Billy Longer, 19. Sam Gilbert, 20. David Armitage, 22. Nathan Brown, 24. Sean Dempster, 25. Koby Stevens, 27. Josh Bruce, 28. Tim Membrey, 29. Jimmy Webster, 32. Paddy McCartin, 34. Nathan Wright, 44. Mav Weller
