Saints lose Windhager in AFL practice win over Essendon

Saints lose Windhager in AFL practice win over Essendon

St Kilda have given returned coach Ross Lyon his first small victory again on the helm however misplaced Marcus Windhager to a damaged hand in a 35-point apply match win over Essendon.

The Saints dealt with the blustery situations higher at RSEA Park on Friday, profitable 10.7 (67) to three.14 (32), regardless of being pressured to discipline a makeshift ahead line.

But promising midfielder Windhager lasted just some minutes after beginning within the centre sq., breaking the third metacarpal in his proper hand.

The 19-year-old will endure surgical procedure on Saturday, but stays an opportunity to characteristic within the round-one conflict with Fremantle on March 19.

Windhager joins a rising harm listing already that includes key gamers Max King (shoulder), Jack Billings (fractured leg), Zak Jones (achilles), Tim Membrey (knee) and a number of other others.

Essendon additionally had an harm scare on Friday, with midfielder Jye Caldwell helped off the sphere in the course of the third quarter with a sprained ankle.

Caldwell sat out the remainder of the match as a precaution however is anticipated to be accessible for spherical one.

In the absence of injured tall forwards King and Membrey, St Kilda nonetheless discovered sufficient avenues to purpose.

Off-season recruit Zaine Cordy, 19-year-old Mitch Owens and rookie Anthony Caminiti all featured in assault with spots up for grabs heading into the premiership season.

Owens kicked three targets and handed two off, together with one off for Jack Higgins, who additionally completed with three majors.

First-round draft choose Mattaes Phillipou impressed with 15 disposals and a purpose.

Saints midfielder Brad Crouch (35 disposals, seven clearances) was busy and ruckman Rowan Marshall received an intriguing battle with Essendon’s Sam Draper.

Marshall had 24 disposals, 19 contested possessions, eight clearances and a purpose.

Essendon wasted a robust begin and territorial dominance with the breeze at their backs within the opening time period, failing to capitalise in entrance of purpose as they kicked 1.6 to 0.2.

Alwyn Davey Jr (13 disposals) was energetic throughout half-forward for the Bombers within the first half.

Peter Wright (1.4) and Nic Martin (0.3) each wasted a number of possibilities in assault, whereas new captain Zach Merrett (23 disposals, seven clearances) and former Carlton participant Will Setterfield (25, three) had been busy.

Saints star Brad Hill was a late withdrawal from the apply match due to private causes and isn’t unsure for spherical one.

Source: www.perthnow.com.au