Robbie Tarrant will lead a three-man reception committee for Nick Riewoldt when the St Kilda star returns to the AFL.
Riewoldt returns from two games out with a knee injury for Friday night’s must-win match against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
The Saints (5-6, 12th place) have lost their last three matches and are now just one game ahead of North (15th) on the ladder.
North’s plans for the Saints veteran are similar to what Richmond will try to unleash on Sydney spearhead Lance Franklin across town on Saturday at the MCG.
Like Franklin, Riewoldt is too mobile and multi-skilled for one opponent to contain him – even someone as capable as Tarrant, North’s reigning best and fairest champion.
“We all know Nick’s strengths … well, it’s probably better to look at his weaknesses – he doesn’t have many – because everyone can see the litany of strengths he has got,” North coach Brad Scott said.
“I doubt we’ll rely on one player to get the job done there – we’ll rotate it a fair bit.”
Lachie Hansen and Scott Thompson will combine with Tarrant to combat Riewoldt.
Even though Paddy McCartin is out with a knee injury, Scott also noted that Riewoldt will have plenty of key forward support through Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey.
Tarrant has continued his strong form this season and Scott hopes it is good enough for All-Australian selection.
The key defender made last year’s All-Australian squad, but missed out on the final 22.
“I’m biased clearly – I think Robbie should have been All-Australian last year,” Scott said.
“He didn’t get beaten in any contest last year which was a remarkable feat given the quality of some of the key forwards and he played on the best.
“I thought he was really unlucky last year and history tells you if you back a really good season up just missing All Australian selection then you usually get picked.”
North made one change, replacing Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) with Declan Mountford.
Jack Lonie and Luke Dunstan also return for the Saints, replacing Nathan Wright (shoulder) and Jack Steele.
The Saints are confident that key defender Jake Carlisle will play, despite suffering a knock in last week’s loss to Adelaide.
