St Kilda assistant coach Lenny Hayes says midfielder Seb Ross “should be fit” for the Saints’ elimination ultimate in opposition to GWS subsequent Saturday regardless of a repeated hamstring setback.
The 30-year-old midfielder was solely two video games into his return from a four-week hamstring damage when he suffered a low grade pressure in spherical 23, however Hayes mentioned he was transferring properly and anticipated to characteristic in opposition to the Giants.
With ahead spearhead Max King declared a sure starter after he was rested final week in opposition to Brisbane, the Saints are poised to subject their strongest crew this season within the elimination ultimate.
Hayes, in his first 12 months as a Saints assistant after a five-year stint at GWS and a while away from soccer dwelling in NSW, mentioned the finals marketing campaign excited him as a lot because it did the Saints’ long-suffering followers.
“It was hard to know what to expect at the start of the year, a lot of the staff are pretty new and fresh,” he mentioned.
“I think the first 12 months was about exploring the list and seeing what they’re capable of … we didn’t put any limitations on the group, and I think the way that they’ve bought in, it’s just reward.
“It’s great to be back involved … I just think about our fans as well, who haven’t witnessed a home final for a decade – it’s great for them to be able to rock up to the MCG. I think the boys will get a huge lift out of it.”
He mentioned Dougal Howard was “touch and go” for the conflict as he returns from wrist surgical procedure, with the important thing defender but to finish a lot contact coaching.
But it could be that former Western Bulldog Zaine Cordy is most popular in defence after pulling collectively a collection of assured performances in August.
Out-of-contract midfielder Hunter Clark might additionally lose his spot within the choice squeeze amid Ross’ return, with the 24-year-old taking part in restricted minutes regardless of not being subbed off within the loss to Brisbane.
“Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve probably had our strongest sides in,” Hayes mentioned.
“Again, we think with the bye, Seb Ross should be fit and available and we think we’ll go in almost full strength.
“His most recent (hamstring injury) was very minor, and he’s been training since and had a run this morning and looked really good.”
Josh Battle was anticipated to depart the concussion protocols in time for the Giants conflict, Hayes mentioned.
Along with Robert Harvey and Brendon Goddard, Hayes varieties a trio of former Ross Lyon-coached gamers on his teaching panel, and mentioned they had been having fun with watching their former mentor in motion within the lead as much as finals.
Justin Koschitzke can also be typically current crew conferences, with the previous key ahead working at Moorabbin for the Danny Frawley Centre.
“Every now and again he’ll say some things in meetings that bring you back,” Hayes mentioned.
“You have a bit of a chuckle – you look to one side, there’s Kosi and the other side there’s BJ (Goddard) and Harvs … we have a bit of a giggle.”
Source: www.news.com.au
