ST KILDA ruckman Tom Hickey "couldn't have done much more" to shore up a round one spot but coach Alan Richardson says Billy Longer remains in contention for the No. 1 mantle.
Hickey picked up an equal team-high 29 disposals as well as 18 contested possessions. His work in the air supporting defenders was also on show.
Longer lined up for Sandringham in a VFL practice match on Saturday.
"His work in the ruck, his work outside too, was pretty positive," Richardson said after the three-point loss to Sydney in Albury.
"He sent a message that he doesn't like playing in the VFL, and that's good.
"Billy Longer's played some good footy too and he was also pretty positive in the VFL yesterday.
"We've got a decision we need to make but he couldn't have done much more tonight."
Tom Hickey dominated in the ruck for St Kilda. Picture: AFL Photos
Experienced defender Sean Dempster also represented the Zebras but Richardson said that omission was to allow fellow backmen Sam Gilbert and Dylan Roberton to have game time at AFL level.
"We had 'Gilbo' (Sam Gilbert) and 'Robbo' (Dylan Roberton) miss last week. Sean had played the two and he wanted to keep playing so he played VFL footy and played really well," Richardson said.
"He didn't have to worry about getting on a bus and having a four-hour trip."
The 33-year-old finished equal-10th in the best and fairest last year.
Richardson was satisfied with Jake Carlisle's effort, who had the tough task of manning Sydney superstar Lance Franklin.
"Both players played pretty well. Jake was good in his contest, he was good at playing team defence for us," Richardson said.
"Defenders rely on pressure on the ball, they rely on their teammates getting over to help when they can, and for big parts we got that. When that fell away, Buddy was able to get free. On the whole, we were pretty pleased with Jake and Browny (Nathan Brown)."
Sydney young gun Callum Mills sat out the second half after the Swans opted to treat him conservatively.
Callum Mills sat out the second half but should be right for R1. Picture: AFL Photos
"He got a corkie at training in our last session. He was okay, could have kept playing, but once again, we just made sure we didn't risk him," Sydney coach John Longmire said.
WATCH: John Longmire's post-match media conference
Mills came into the contest with a heavily strapped thigh.
Sam Reid continued a promising JLT Community Series campaign, collecting 12 disposals, nine marks and a goal. He spent most of his time up forward but also went to defence to play as a loose man.
"It was good to see him running around like that today. Obviously missing a lot of footy, we wanted to play him big minutes during the pre-season games," Longmire said.
"We've played him a whole lot during the last three weeks and he's been getting better every week."
Star onballer Dan Hannebery left the contest very late in the game after copping a hit and jogged off appearing to favour his right knee. However, Longmire said there were no other injury concerns.
