After a whirlwind week in the west, the Saints are back at Marvel to take on the Blues on a mission to return to the winners list.

With their Saturday fixture now moved to the Friday night lights, Brett Ratten's troops could be buoyed by the return of some fan favourites, with three young Saints facing tests as they push for selection.

Jack Higgins

The St Kilda forward line could be bolstered with Jack Higgins a chance to return to the senior side this week.

The energetic small forward will face a test at training as he looks to return from back soreness that has kept him sidelined in recent weeks. 

Higgins currently sits in third place on three key metrics at the club - goal-kicking, tackles inside-50 and marks inside-50.

His crumbing ability and manic pressure inside the forward 50 would be a welcome addition to the St Kilda side.

Hunter Clark

Seven weeks after fracturing his jaw, Hunter Clark could be in line to return again Carlton.

The defender had been in promising form before the injury, averaging 20 disposals for the season and three tackles and seven contested possessions per game.

His run-and-carry in the backline has been a vital part of St Kilda’s transition into the forward-50, and his attack on the footy would certainly strengthen the defensive structure should he be deemed fit to play. 

Tom Highmore

Despite missing the trip west due to a broken hand, Tom Highmore is a chance to return against the Blues.

The young defender was unable to take on the Eagles after he was injured against Port Adelaide, but the 23-year-old will be in line to face Carlton should he pass a fitness test.

Highmore has been particularly impressive since his return to the side in Round 11, averaging five marks, two intercept marks and three tackles per game.

His leaping ability and intercept marking have allowed him to fit smoothly into the backline alongside Callum Wilkie, Dougal Howard and Jimmy Webster, and the Saints’ No. 34 will be keen to return to the back six. 

In Contention

Should St Kilda be looking for further options in the backline, they may consider bringing in Darragh Joyce.

Joyce has been in solid form for Sandringham, with back-to-back 22 disposal games before the Victorian lockdown put a halt to VFL games.

The Saints could also opt to bring some youth into the side through Matthew Allison or Cooper Sharman.

Sharman technically made his debut last week as the medical sub, however he did not take to the field, while Allison was named as an emergency.

A high-flying forward, Sharman has booted six goals from three VFL games since being selected in the mid-season draft, impressing VFL coach Jake Batchelor with his forward craft.

Allison has been continuing his development in the backline, honing his craft as a defender since joining the club via St Kilda’s first pick in the 2020 draft.