Justin Koschitzke, Lenny Hayes and Steven Baker have all been added to the side that lost to the Brisbane Lions in round one of the NAB Cup.
And in more good news for the Saints, captain Nick Riewoldt commenced full running on Wednesday as he recovers from minor knee surgery.
Assistant coach Steven Silvagni said the three would be handy additions to the team, particularly Baker who has not played since injuring his knee against Richmond in round seven last year.
“I’m sure he’d be looking forward to the game. The last 12 months has been difficult for Steve. He’s done most of the pre-season now and we’ll probably ease him into the game on Friday. He’ll be keen to get out there and get through the game,” Silvagni said.
Riewoldt trained with the group for every drill on Wednesday apart from a competitive handball game where he stepped aside with Max Hudghton and Matt Maguire to do some kick to kick.
With a Friday forecast of 38 degrees, the Saints and Bulldogs have named 30-man squads and Koschitzke, Hayes, Baker and Xavier Clarke will play 60 to 70 per cent of the match.
Silvagni had a bigger role in the coach’s box in the match against the Lions but dismissed some reports that said he was the acting head coach on the night.
“That was blown out of proportion a bit. All the assistants had a bit more of a role to play. Ross (Lyon) had more of a back seat. We were trying a few things out in the box and it was good to get a perspective of what Ross goes through on match day,” he said.
“There’s a bit more communication that goes through from the senior coach to the line coaches so they’ve got a fair bit to deal with throughout the match.”
Asked if the extra responsibility whetted his appetite for a senior coaching role in the near future, the former Carlton defender took no time to respond.
“Not at the minute.”
Dream Team watch – Lenny Hayes is rated a $415,400 midfielder in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
