St Kilda has made two changes with champion Nick Riewoldt suffering a knee injury along with midfielder Luke Dunstan who was omitted. Shane Savage and small forward Darren Minchington have both come in for the clash with the Dogs.

In defence the Saints are a settled unit led by skipper Jarryn Geary who may play on the Dogs combination of small forwards and resting midfielders. Half back Dylan Roberton has been in good form and has provided the drive out of defence, while key defender Jake Carlisle is an aerial threat with his intercept marking being critical.

Jack Newnes and Leigh Montagna may split their time between half back and the wing where their line-breaking abilities a key to the Saints ball movement. 

The midfield battle will be critical with the Saints possessing a deep midfield with multiple options capable of rolling through led by Jack Steven and Seb Ross.

Steven is a barometer with his combination of speed and clearance work making him a danger man in the middle and Ross has developed from a run-with player into becoming one of the in-form midfielders of the competition. Ex-giant Jack Steele provides an inside presence with his tackling and work at the contest a standout, while wingman Blake Acres’ ability to drives the ball forward and link up with inside mids such as Ross and Steele makes him a player to watch.

The Saints forward line has a different look this weekend with the absence of both Riewoldt and fellow key forward Josh Bruce possibly changing their structure inside 50.

2016 leading goal kicker Tim Membrey is a hard working forward that often pushes up to the wings and is dangerous on the lead. Maverick Weller may play as a defensive forward with his pressure on opposition defenders a key to causing forward half turnovers, and second year forward Jade Gresham is also a threat with his clever ball use and decision often involved in scoring chains. 

Jack Billings has been in strong form over recent weeks and may split his time between the midfield and forward line. Billings is dangerous around goal and provides the Saints with a different look inside 50 when he pushes forward.

Below is how the Saints are named to line up tomorrow against the Dogs: