Tim Membrey believes inexperienced St Kilda teammate Rowan Marshall is more than capable of shouldering the ruck load in their AFL semi-final against Richmond.
Marshall will be called on to step up in the absence of ruck partner Paddy Ryder after the star veteran was ruled out for the rest of the finals campaign with a hamstring injury.
The 51-game tall will take on dual premiership Tiger Toby Nankervis, safe in the knowledge that he split their last meeting when Ryder was absent in round four.
Marshall had 26 hit-outs and two goals to Nankervis’ 25 and one as the Saints upset their highly-fancied opponents by 26 points.
“(Ryder’s injury) is one of those hurdles that we’ll have to get over,” St Kilda forward Membrey told AAP.
“We’ve got another quality ruckman in Rowan Marshall that’s done a massive job this year as well.
“Those two have been working together very strongly, but I’m sure Rowan will be up for the challenge and we’ll move forward.”
Membrey conceded Ryder’s injury had hit the Saints hard amid the euphoria of their first finals victory in 10 years against the Western Bulldogs last Saturday night.
“It was a bit of mixed emotions after the game,” Membrey said.
“We were very excited to win the final but then to lose Paddy with a hamstring injury is shattering for him and the team.”
Membrey also believes the likes of Jonathon Marsh (five games) or Dylan Roberton (one) will be able to step into Jake Carlisle’s shoes in defence despite playing few senior AFL matches this season.
Key backman Carlisle has left the Saints’ hub in Queensland to be with his heavily pregnant partner for the arrival of their third child.
“We’ve got players who have been in really good form in the practice matches, who have played good footy all year,” Membrey said.
“They’ve been able to play that type of brand as a marking key defender and Jake’s pretty good with his foot-skills as well to set us up on the way out of defence.
“You bring those blokes (Marsh and Roberton) into the selection table and they can do a role there as well.
“It was a big call for Jake and family comes first for everyone. It’s great that he’s been able to get back there now and support his wife in having their third baby.”
