With their AFL finals hopes extinguished, there doesn’t appear to be much on the line for St Kilda in their clash with lowly Greater Western Sydney.
But that’s not how Saints coach Scott Watters sees the match and he’s challenged his senior players to lead the way for the youngsters at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s a really exciting week for us as a group,” he said on Friday.
“We just spoke at the team meeting; we’ve got young players and there’s a career there for them if they want to grab it in this next two games.
“We’ve challenged our leaders to help those younger players start their career on the right note.”
He said the club, which sits 11th, was disappointed to miss the finals for the first time since 2007 but still felt they had a lot to play for.
Seb Ross, the nephew of Essendon great Tim Watson and cousin of current Bombers’ captain Jobe, will make his senior debut against the Giants.
“He’s a terrific kid who’s been working really hard on his game,” Watters said, adding that the 19-year-old midfielder was set for selection a month ago but for a minor injury.
“I gave him the news in front of the guys.
“It’s a really cool moment as a coach when you get to announce it, it’s great to start his career.”
Given the club’s failure to make the finals, skipper Nick Riewoldt won’t play again this season with Saints taking a “conservative approach” to his knee injury.
Veteran forward Justin Koschitzke will also have scans on both hip and shoulder problems and may require minor surgery next week.
Watters said running player Jason Gram, named as an emergency, wasn’t omitted due to poor form but because of soreness and he could still play if required.
The Giants are looking to add to their tally of two wins and are locked in a battle with Gold Coast to avoid the wooden spoon.
Embattled forward Israel Folau, who only managed three disposals, three hitouts and gave away a free kick in their last round loss to Melbourne, will miss the match with a back injury.