Two games in six days, a possible fourth consecutive win and a return to prime-footy have all the hallmarks of a cracking contest against Gold Coast.

And with a host of livewire Saints and accomplished campaigners hunting for a spot in the side ahead of what could be Paddy Ryder’s 250^th game, Brett Ratten has once again been tasked with several tough decisions at the selection table.

Ben Long

The return of Ben Long across half-back looms as the most exciting, hypothetical addition as the Saints prepare to tackle the Suns at Metricon Stadium.

The electric defender was suspended for three weeks after a high bump on Fremantle’s Sean Darcy in Round 6, but has served his penance and is ready to add even more spark to the young backline.

Prior to his time on the sidelines, Long topped St Kilda’s intercept possessions – a title now held by Ben Paton – and was operating well above 80 per cent efficiency.

But with the defence in sublime touch, finding a spot for the reinvented Long may not be as clean-cut as it was three weeks ago.

Seb Ross

After being a late withdrawal for last weekend’s match against Sydney, Seb Ross stands as a potential inclusion for Thursday night against the Suns.

The dual best-and-fairest was ultimately sidelined with calf tightness but was, according to senior coach Brett Ratten, “touch-and-go” to line up against the Swans.

With shorter turnarounds, the Saints won’t be taking any risks which could jeopardise their midfield brigade. 

But if Ross gets the all-clear following today’s training session, he’ll be in the running to make a return to the senior line-up.

Dean Kent

Illness and knee soreness may have prevented Dean Kent from playing every game this season, but Round 10 shapes as an opening for the small forward to slip back into the line-up.

The former Melbourne hard-nut has come up clutch several times throughout St Kilda's 2020 campaign, slotting critical steadiers and establishing handy buffers in every match he's played in post-restart.

From his seven goals for the year, four have come in the final quarter when the Saints' success hangs in the balance.

And with St Kilda’s past three matches against Gold Coast decided by less than a goal – with Kent even threading the match-winner in last year’s season opener – his inclusion would be a handy addition to the offensive end.

Jack Lonie

The injection of Jack Lonie and Dean Kent into St Kilda’s forward line could reunite the trio to damaging effect under Thursday night lights.

Lonie, Kent and Dan Butler kicked 24 goals and registered 61 tackles (39 inside-50) from the first seven matches of the year to chart as one of the most potent small forward fleets in the competition.

Of those, Lonie slotted five – two of which came against the Tigers in Round 4 – and levelled Butler's tackle count inside-50 (14) before being omitted ahead of Round 8.

The small forward has played one reserves match this season against Brisbane, kicking a goal against the high-end Brisbane seconds in trying conditions.

In contention…

St Kilda opted not to take part in a scratch match against Melbourne last weekend in light of the tight turnarounds and injuries to Dan Hannebery and Jimmy Webster.

Draftee Ryan Byrnes and wingman Ed Phillips remain in the hunt for a senior recall, with the latter spending more time as an inside midfielder in part due to the lesser numbers on the field.

Daniel McKenzie has continued to highlight his versatility as he eyes off a return for his 50^th career match, while Jonathon Marsh remains firmly in the selection frame following a series of strong outings at reserves level.

Round 9 line-up

IN: Battle, Savage
OUT: Kent (injured), Ross (injured)