ST KILDA faces selection queries ahead of next week's semi-final clash with Richmond, with Paddy Ryder ruled out with a hamstring injury and Jake Carlisle weighing up whether he leaves Queensland to be with his partner for the birth of their child.
The Saints won through to the final six after beating the Western Bulldogs by three points in a pulsating elimination final at the Gabba on Saturday.
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But they will lose Ryder, who was close to best afield in the gripping win over the Dogs, after the veteran ruckman strained his hamstring in the dying moments of the win. The 32-year-old ended the game in tears on the interchange bench.
And they could also be without Carlisle for the clash against Richmond twin towers Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch, with the ex-Bomber considering leaving the Saints' 'bubble' to be with his partner for the arrival of their child.
Coach Brett Ratten said the club would chat through the situation with Carlisle.
"We're going to catch up with Jake early in the week. His wife Mel was on the border there and they'll keep contacting us and letting us know, but we'll have more discussions on Monday and a decision will be made to keep playing or go home," Ratten said post-game.
"Whatever he decides – you don't want to miss the birth of your kids and that's fair enough – we'll support him any way."
Ryder's injury came after a standout effort that saw him get 21 hitouts, two goals and nine disposals in what was the first finals win of his four attempts during his 257-game career.
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"We think it might be a hamstring, he'll get scanned high [on the leg] so it's a wait and see there, but if it is he won't play next week," Ratten said. "And then we have to keep winning to get him to play."
The Saints may, however, regain versatile tall Josh Battle from his foot injury which ruled him out against the Dogs.
Ratten said he didn't believe there were any Match Review Officer concerns with Ben Long's high hit on Jack Macrae in the opening term.
The Saints coach was relieved after he said his side played into the hands of the Bulldogs in the fourth term, with the Saints clinching their first finals victory in a decade. He said the Saints would take on the reigning premiers with confidence.
"I feel like we've got our second wind a bit, because we did plateau a little bit there," Ratten said.
"We're back running on top of the ground and having Dan (Hannebery) back in the team really helps our midfield and (Jack) Sinclair has been a good player for us with his fast feet and ability to run at the game as well."
