St Kilda troupe close to return, with key trio leading the comeback trail
With the star defense trio set to return, saints" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">St Kilda is on track to approaching this week’s bye with a healthy team. Executive General Manager of Football of St Kilda, David Misson is optimistic about the Saints' second half of the 2024 season.
Defenders Isaac Keeler (knee), Jimmy Webster (calf), Liam Stocker (abdominal) will undergo fitness tests to ascertain their availability for Round 16. Paddy Dow (ankle) would also join the lot.
Saints midfielder Brad Crouch will also be monitored for a knee flare-up, which had him withdrawn from all levels of competition last weekend.
Misson, speaking on the health state of the Saints, recently told the press:
“Overall, we enter the bye in good shape from an injury perspective.”
Jack Hayes and Dougal Howard rehabilitation - St Kilda's strategy post-bye week
St Kilda’s injury management has been the main focus of the club as they approach the mid-season bye. Jack Hayes and Dougal Howard among others have recovered considerably from their respective knee and hamstring injuries. Both are expected to be sidelined for about four weeks, while Liam Henry has been cleared of any injury after having to leave the field late in St Kilda’s clash against the Brisbane Lions last week Friday.
With the bye offering the Saints an opportunity to rest and recuperate, the club is optimistic about their prospects post-bye week. EGM of Football, David Misson, emphasized the importance of this period. He said:
"With the bye affording a week’s rest for all our players, we hope to enter the second half of the season refreshed mentally and physically to begin our run at Marvel Stadium on the right note.”
The return of key players like Isaac Keeler, Jimmy Webster, and Liam Stocker will contribute greatly to the Saints' plans for the next half of the season. They are all set to undergo fitness tests to determine their availability for Round 16.
Brad Crouch’s knee flare-up from last week is also being carefully monitored, in hopes that he would be fit for the upcoming games. Paddy Dow, who is recovering from an ankle injury, is expected to join the squad soon as well.
With proper injury management, the Saints just might be able to maintain a competitive edge as they gear up for the second half of the season, and eventually the Grand Finals. The return of these key players is anticipated to bolster their performance.