With the full team to be announced at 5pm today, Ross Lyon yesterday gave insight into who we can expect to see play against the Bulldogs in the Round 6 opener at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
After Farren Ray and Jason Gram were both omitted due to injury last weekend, Lyon was hopeful they could make it through final training and be eligible for selection.
“Hopefully both Gram and Ray can complete the training session before we make our final selection. But the expectation for whoever plays will be to run and carry and if we use the ball well we should be in the game.”
Since the loss of Nick Riewoldt, the forward set-up has received some major attention over the past few weeks with speculation on who can replace the Saints Captain in the goal square.
When asked whether this job was up to tall forward Justin Koschitzke, Lyon responded; “I don’t think anyone is capable of replacing Nick.”
“Justin (Koschitzke) just needs to play his role in the team. I think people conveniently forget the fact that he kicked 48 goals last year. He’s delivering on what we want and we will continue in that manor.”
Lyon continued; “The match between Geelong and Carlton on the weekend highlighted how difficult AFL football is, and how difficult it is for forwards in this competition. Clearly our forward line faces the same challenges.”
At the other end of the ground, the question on who will get the task of covering Bulldogs new recruit Barry Hall was raised, with Lyon giving full support to Saints defender Zac Dawson.
“Zac (Dawson) is certainly a capable full back and he’s the obvious match up (for Hall) at this stage.”
“Barry is a quality competitor, and he is averaging four goals a week. But we know it is going to be about pressure and supply, as it is for most forwards. You’ve got to win the midfield battle.”
Saints fans will be pleased to hear that Riewoldt is continuing strongly with his recovery from a strained hamstring tendon.
When asked for an update on the Captain yesterday, Lyon said; “Nick is in good spirits. He saw the surgeon (yesterday) who said he is on track so that is a good milestone for him to get a positive assessment.”
Although Nick does not currently have any specific roles for a match day, Lyon is looking forward to him being able to make a contribution around the Club.
“I just want Nick to go with what he feels - when he is fresh and enthusiastic we would love him to get involved with the team.”
Stay tuned to saints.com.au later today for the announcement of the full Saints team who will take on the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.
This Friday night, the Saints and the Bulldogs will play the annual Barker-Whitten, named in honour of St Kilda legend Trevor Barker and Footscray/Western Bulldogs legend Ted Whitten.
