Missing since injuring his hamstring against Port Adelaide in Round 18, Ball passed a fitness test on Thursday to claim his spot in the team alongside David Armitage who has been called up after several solid weeks at the Casey Scorpions.
Ball is ranked second in tackles at the club and his ‘first to the footy’ attitude has won him more free kicks than any other Saint this season.
Xavier Clarke and Charlie Gardiner were omitted.
Matthew Drain, GM of Football Operations said, “It’s extremely pleasing to be able to name Luke Ball in the side for the first time in six weeks. He’s been through a vigorous period of rehab and underwent a fitness test this afternoon. We are confident that he is ready to go and will no doubt be a massive boost to our side.
Drain continued, “David Armitage has been playing some great football at Casey and we have given him the chance to continue this strong form in the seniors. He’s a young, tough competitor that has recently been showing the potential that we all know he is capable of and we look forward to seeing what he has to offer.”
The Saints play Collingwood in the 1st Semi-Final from 7:30pm at the MCG on Saturday.
