Defensive debutants, make-shift backmen in the mix for Saints’ opener against Adelaide attack.
Further losses at St Kilda might pave the way for a trio of uncapped players to play Round 1.
As a result of pre-season losses, St Kilda may be forced to deploy a second-string backline against a powerful Adelaide assault in the season opener.
The Moorabbin team is waiting for scan results on Dougal Howard’s dislocated shoulder. If the injury is significant, he might miss the first few weeks of the season.
A best-case scenario would see Howard back in training in a matter of days, yet the opposite consequence might push his season back months.
With a Round 1 absence, Ross Lyon’s famed rearguard faces an uphill struggle to start the season on the right foot. Additionally, No.1 tall Josh struggle left for free agency during the off-season.
The Saints’ last line will rely on Callum Wilkie, but it’s unclear who will support him against the Crows’ offensive trio of Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker, and Riley Thilthorpe.
Zaine Cordy’s eight-game season in the red, white, and black was his lowest since his rookie season a decade ago, making him a potential next man up.
Last season, the Saints used forward Anthony Caminiti on defense instead of Cordy. However, Caminiti has had his own setbacks this summer, putting him in a difficult position.
After Tim Membrey’s departure, Lyon may need Caminiti at the opposite end of the field. The team may consider a tall forward combination of Max King, Cooper Sharman, and Caminiti.
The Saints’ uncapped defenders, including Isaac Keeler, have excelled during their third pre-season.
The 198cm prospect, who was chosen as a ruck-forward hybrid, was employed as a defender for Sandringham last year and shown potential as a solid player behind the ball.
Keeler may replace Howard and join Cordy in the back six, making his AFL debut in his native state of South Australia.
Draftee James Barrat, who just joined St Kilda, may be considered for the Crows match. However, a trio of Barrat, Wilkie, and Cordy would leave the Saints undersized at 194cm, 191cm, and 195cm, respectively.
Walker and Fogarty both stop the tape at 192cm, but they have the size advantage, whilst Thilthorpe is six centimeters ahead of Cordy.
Arie Schoenmaker, a 194cm second-year Saint, is another option to explore due to his aerial strength, while being mostly an attacking weapon down back. The Tasmanian is a terrific ball reader but may lack the lockdown skills of the other players in the mix.
Alix Tauru, a top-10 draft pick, is also unlikely to be called up in Round 1 due to his ongoing recuperation from a back issue that might keep him out for up to two months.
Adelaide’s large forwards will not be the only challenge for the Saints’ backline, as Josh Rachele, Izak Rankine, Ben Keays, and new acquisition Alex Neal-Bullen are expected to combine for the first time in Round 1.
The Crows’ speartip depth, along with Wilkie’s essential position on an opponent tall, may compel half-backs Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jack Sinclair to play a more defensive style. The Saints have Jimmy Webster, Liam Stocker, and Marcus Windhager available for similar responsibilities.
Windhager’s departure from the midfield group raises questions about the Saints’ engine room alternatives, since Mattaes Phillipou (leg), Paddy Dow (knee), and Liam Henry (knee) are also injured.
Due to Rowan Marshall’s pelvic stress injury, the Saints may need to use Harry Boyd as their sole ruckman.
If Marshall is also ruled out for Round 1, the Saints will be unable to move him forward and maybe play Caminiti in defence, with Boyd taking over ruck responsibilities and being unable to slide into the backline.
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