ST KILDA recruit Shane Savage is pushing to return for Friday's Anzac Day clash against the Brisbane Lions in Wellington, with Adam Schneider's suspension providing a timely opportunity for the New Zealand ambassador.
Savage travelled with the Saints on Tuesday morning and could be called on to replace Schneider, who remained in Melbourne after accepting a one-match ban for striking Essendon's Mark Baguley.
The Saints were pleased with Savage's efforts with VFL club Sandringham on Saturday, with the 23-year-old impressing with his clearance work and defensive pressure and finishing with 26 possessions.
With Schneider sidelined for one match after making an impressive return from a back injury, Savage said he was ready to step up in front of family and friends in Wellington.
"I played a bit of half-forward and wing over my career, so I know I can play that role," he said as the Saints touched down for the second Anzac Day clash in New Zealand.
"My performance has been a little disappointing, so to go back to the VFL was sort of a good thing.
"I went back and got some form under my belt and if I can get a game that would be great.
"If I do come into the side I will obviously give that effort and play my role."
Savage has played a key role in the Saints' promotion of the AFL across the Tasman since joining the club from Hawthorn.
Born in New Zealand, he moved to Australia when he was two years old but will have extended family and friends at Westpac Stadium on Friday night.
While the Saints and the AFL have been ambitious in promoting Australian football, he said they knew where the code stood in the New Zealand pecking order.
"We understand that rugby is the No.1 game over here, and we're not trying to come over here and take over," he said.
"But we think there is a lot of talent over here and there's a lot of athletes that can be really good AFL players.
"The Saints have been doing a really good job and my aim is to get people interested in the game. I think we're succeeding at that.
"To be playing on Anzac Day and to have an Australian Rules football game over here is a really good thing."
