St Kilda will be bolstered by two big inclusions for Friday night’s huge showdown against the Tigers, as both the in-form Jimmy Webster and livewire Jack Lonie will unfortunately miss through injury.

The third instalment of the annual Maddie’s Match looms as one of the Saints’ biggest tests to date in 2018, but with Seb Ross and Josh Battle joining the fight, Alan Richardson’s side has the opportunity to take a monumental scalp.

After missing last week through illness, Seb Ross is a massive inclusion for the Saints, with the reigning Trevor Barker Award winner an important player all season.

READ: The science behind Seb

Ross’ ball-winning ability inside has elevated again this year, and together with Jack Steven, the duo has contributed nearly a third of St Kilda’s total clearances in 2018.

Joining Ross back in the senior line-up will be the exciting young forward Josh Battle, who comes straight back in having fully recovered from a fractured eye socket sustained in the Saints’ Round 15 win over Melbourne.


Battle Ready for Maddie's Match

It’s a strong show of faith in the ex-Haileybury Collegian, who boasts goal-kicking tuition from Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd, but with a return of seven goals from just four senior appearances, the 19-year-old’s immense potential is beginning to bear fruit.

WATCH: Injury Report

Jimmy Webster will miss this week after tweaking scar tissue in his groin, while Jack Lonie has also been sidelined after experiencing soreness throughout the week.

In good news for Saints fans, promising youngster Ben Long (foot) is now only a week away from a return.

IN: Josh Battle, Seb Ross
OUT: Jimmy Webster, Jack Lonie (both injured)