TWO familiar names dominate this week’s selection landscape, Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna
The veteran duo are considered near certain starters for Saturday’s round six clash with the in-form Western Bulldogs.
Their availability, combined with the fact 45 Saints will train on Thursday at Linen House Centre, means selection has never been more difficult for Alan Richardson in his time at the club.
Darren Minchington, Josh Saunders, Hugh Goddard and Eli Templeton have been VFL stalwarts thus far in 2015 and in previous years may have already played AFL – but not this season. Spots are being earned and Richardson wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It will be a challenge in match committee, and we would rather have those problems than trying to find people to play there,” Richardson said on Tuesday.
“There is no doubt that with Rooey coming back into the team, it will put a bit of pressure on someone in the front half.
“Rooey is certainly going to play there – he won’t be playing back. We’ll have to wait and see.”
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According to Head Physio Andrew Wallis, Shane Savage is a certainty to take on the Bulldogs despite icing his hamstring in the final quarter on Sunday.
“There was a little bit of speculation around Shane Savage,” Wallis told SAINTS.com.au in his weekly injury report.
“He was icing his hamstring because of his injury six weeks ago, but he’s fine to play.”
And so the question remains, who do Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna replace in the team?
There is no easy answer, with Richardson praising the efforts of Tim Membrey and Tom Hickey on the weekend.
“Hickey couldn’t have done much more really, we were really pleased: 19 possessions predominantly as a forward,” he said.
“Although he didn’t hit the scoreboard, he was part of a forward line that functioned pretty well. He did a good job.
“Tim [Membrey] a young man, he’s got a lot of scope and a lot of room to move. His early games for us have been solid.”
Young ball-winners Jack Sinclair and Jack Lonie also enjoyed solid outings, with Sinclair hitting a target with each of his 14 disposals and Lonie booting two majors.
VFL coach Paul Hudson was most pleased with Jason Holmes’ performance for Sandringham on Saturday.
However since the US recruit is a rookie and St Kilda’s ruck stocks are strong, he will have to bide his time in the reserves for the time being.
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Tom Curren, Eli Templeton and Josh Saunders were all prolific, while defender Hugh Goddard continued his impressive run of form.
Paddy McCartin competed well but didn’t kick a goal, whereas fellow forward Spencer White made the most of his limited opportunities and registered 3.1 from eight disposals and four marks.
Nick Riewoldt has been training strongly this week.
