In the Mix By Tom Morris For saints.au ST KILDA’S youth program is in full swing, with Darren Minchington the latest in a healthy line of debutants over the past two seasons. The likes of Brodie Murdoch, Jimmy Webster, Jack Newnes and Josh Saunders are rapidly developing their skills at the elite level. But pushing up are a handful of young players who would come into consideration ahead of this Sunday’s clash with Sydney. One of these players is midfielder Seb Ross. The left-footer was one of the most influential players on the ground in Sandringham’s loss to Carlton on Saturday afternoon. He amassed 30 disposals and registered four inside 50s after a virus forced him to withdraw from the Zebras’ clash with Essendon a fortnight ago. Ross may not have played for St Kilda since round 14, but he has continued to toil relentlessly for Sandringham in the hope that a call-up may be just around the corner. One of the features of Ross’s performance on the weekend was his ability to pinpoint targets forward of centre, an area of his game he’s worked incredibly hard on since he was drafted two years ago. Also impressive was Sam Dunell. The 23-year-old collected 25 disposals, 11 of them in the final quarter, demonstrating his fitness and leadership when the game was on the line. He has played four AFL games this season, mostly in defence – but showcased his skills running through Sandringham’s midfield on the weekend. If Scott Watters elects to play another ruckman, then Tom Hickey could come into consideration. The 22-year-old registered 19 hit-outs and booted a team-lifting goal for Sandringham last weekend, but hasn’t played seniors for two weeks. Hard-running half-back Nathan Wright was also impressive, breaking the lines on his way to 22 disposals. Meanwhile, Trent Dennis-Lane did his chances of a recall no harm, booting three goals from 12 possessions and posing a threat all afternoon in the forward 50. Rookie Cameron Shenton continued his stellar run of form, finishing with 23 disposals and six rebound 50s. There has been some good news on the injury front, with experienced big men Sam Gilbert and Beau Maister expected to be available for selection pending a fitness test on Thursday, while Watters is hopeful defender James Gwilt has recovered from a knee bruising. Gilbert hasn’t played since St Kilda’s round six loss to Collingwood, while Maister badly injured his hamstring in the dying stages of the Saints’ round 11 clash against West Coast. Both players provide height and great structure, but may spend a week in the VFL before returning to senior action.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 08:12:39 +0000
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