Max Heath will make his long-awaited AFL debut on Sunday, with the young ruckman one of three changes for St Kilda's Round 18 clash with Sydney at Marvel Stadium.
Heath, 22, joins Liam Stocker and Hugh Boxshall as inclusions, with Jimmy Webster (injured), Isaac Keeler (omitted) and Darcy Wilson (omitted) making way.
Fan favourites Rowan Marshall and Mason Wood have been named for their 150th AFL games, while Anthony Caminiti (50 AFL games) and Stocker (50 club games) will also celebrate milestones.
The tallest man on St Kilda’s list at 204cm, Heath will get his chance after exhibiting exceptional development from raw prospect to premier VFL ruckman. This talent and effort were showcased again in a strong game for Sandringham at the weekend, collecting 25 disposals, 25 hit outs and five clearances while hitting the scoreboard with a goal.
The 22-year-old has not been short of ruck wisdom since arriving at the Saints, mentored alongside veterans Paddy Ryder, Tom Campbell and premier big man Marshall over his five years spent on the list.
The Saints will name their starting sub an hour before the bounce on Sunday, with the action beginning at 3:15pm.
