ST KILDA players won't target Gary Ablett's reconstructed shoulder in their efforts to shut down the Gold Coast captain in Saturday night's clash at Metricon Stadium.
Ablett made a low-key return from injury in the Suns' round one loss to Melbourne and appeared troubled after his left shoulder was driven into the MCG turf in a brutal first-quarter tackle from opponent Jack Viney.
Gold Coast has promised the dual Brownlow medallist will bounce back "breathing fire" against the Saints in round two, setting up an intriguing match-up with former Sun Mav Weller.
"We'll just play strong, aggressive footy," coach Alan Richardson said when asked if the Saints would target Ablett's rebuilt left shoulder.
"You've got to take a load of time and space from Gary and that means you've got to play pretty tight.
"So if Gary's in and around [the midfield] Mav will certainly go to him and try and curb his influence."
With veteran Leigh Montagna sidelined for one week with knee soreness, Richardson said the Saints would also be relying on Weller to win his own football.
The 23-year-old, who was delisted by Gold Coast at the end of 2013, had 14 disposals and 11 tackles in tagging Greater Western Sydney veteran Ryan Griffen in round one.
Midfielder Tom Curren, who has come into the team alongside Jack Billings, is another run-with option for the Saints.
"Tom's done that for us in the past … whether that be midfield, defensive forward or even just play as a forward," Richardson said.
"In the Hawthorn NAB Challenge game he went back on Cyril (Rioli) and did a pretty good job back there, so he's added some versatility to his game.
"We'll just have to wait and see how the game plays out.
"Some blokes will have roles to try and negate [Gold Coast's] strengths, but we want to play our game and play like that for four quarters."
Captain Nick Riewoldt boarded the Saints' flight to Queensland on Friday afternoon and will play after a light week on the track, given the Saints' six-day break.
Defender Sam Fisher has also travelled for what will be his 200th game, but only his 18th since 2012, owing to a terrible run with injuries.
How a veteran Saint battled back from the brink
"We're really pleased for him that he's been able to get to this milestone and he's in good form," Richardson said.
"He's moving really well and he's playing good footy.
"The last 20 games have taken a while, but he's been a star, really.
"He's been one of the best intercept tall defenders for a long time."
The Saints have lost three of their last four clashes against Gold Coast and will be shooting for their first interstate win since beating GWS in round three, 2013.
