Man of Steele returns
Massive boost for Saints
St Kilda captain Jack Steele has overcome a final hurdle to be free to play against Carlton in a blockbuster clash on Sunday.
The star midfielder has been cleared by a specialist to return after breaking his collarbone in the Saints’ round 2 victory over the Western Bulldogs.
Steele will likely be joined in the side by veteran forward Tim Membrey, after he made a successful return from injury in the VFL for Sandringham last weekend.
St Kilda opted to reintroduce Membrey via the reserves, but a spot has opened up for the 28year-old with the three-week ban handed to Anthony Caminiti for striking.
Saints coach Ross Lyon said he took Caminiti aside for some advice on how to deal with frustration on the field after the teenage SSP selection was suspended ended for striking Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy.
The key forward was able to have his ban reduced down from four weeks after the Saints successfully argued his strike was careless rather than intentional.
“My personal opinion – I think you can talk about it now – I don’t think it was intentional,” Lyon said.
“(The tribunal case) was clearly deliberated that way, so it’s about right for the outcome.
“In this business you get hunted pretty quickly … I just spoke about different ways with your frustration, how to pass it on. It doesn’t always have to be a direct opponent as you pass it on to the opposition.”
Lyon said he was excited to welcome back Steele, who will train fully this week before taking on the Blues at Marvel Stadium.
“The specialists gave him the extra clearance yesterday, so he’ll train today and Friday and play,” Lyon said.
“He’ll probably go head-tohead with (Patrick) Cripps … I’d expect two great ball-winners to go at it. Both of them will have their moments but it’s about our system versus theirs, really.”
St Kilda football boss David Misson Misso said Jack Billings ling was also closing in on a return from a fractured fibula, with key position prospect Isaac Keeler joining him as a chance to play in the VFL this weekend. “It’s great to see Jack and Isaac, who have both had lengthy stints on the sidelines, closing in on their returns,” he said.
Tough on-baller Zak Jones is listed as one to two weeks away as he recovers from an achilles injury, while Max King is still on track for a bye rounds return. Tom Highmore continues to press his claims in the VFL with 21 disposals, six tackles and a goal in Sandringham’s loss to Frankston, while Max Heath impressed with 33 hitouts, 10 tackles and four clearances as the solo ruckman, after Tom Campbell was held over as the emergency.