AFTER suffering their third loss of the season on ANZAC Day, the Saints could bring back experienced defender Sam Fisher for Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.
Fisher, a two-time club best and fairest winner and one-time All Australian hasn’t played yet this season due to a hamstring injury but after one game in the VFL, could return for the Saints on Saturday.
He travelled to Wellington for the clash against the Lions but wasn’t selected following St Kilda’s impressive win over Essendon.
But given the tall and potent nature of Hawthorn’s forward line, however, Fisher’s experience, not to mention his ability to play on both talls and smalls might be hard for new coach Alan Richardson to ignore.
The Hawks have a number of tall options in form, including Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughead who have kicked 15 and 13 goals respectively in the opening six games, while David Hale returned to form against the Tigers on Sunday with 14 disposals and two goals.
Small forwards Luke Breust (17 goals) and Cyril Rioli (11) are also in outstanding form, with the latter coming off a best on ground performance against the Tigers in which he kicked four goals in a quarter.
Given the experience and talent in the Hawthorn forward line, the Saints could bring in the experienced Fisher, who is arguably still their best defender to bolster a defence that is mixed with experience and youth.
James Gwilt and Sean Dempster have played important roles to the start the season, while Josh Bruce and Luke Delaney have been impressive as younger defenders.
The Saints will, however, be without key ball winner David Armitage because of a knee injury and Sam Gilbert (foot).