A VALUED key defender and a bunch of new boys are being trialled in St Kilda's first intraclub practice match tomorrow afternoon. The Saints will be anxious to check if Matt Maguire can withstand the rigors of match-play again following serious foot and leg injuries.
Maguire, stuck on 99 games after he managed only four last season, will make a brief appearance in the match at Moorabbin.
"He has been doing all the training. He's expected to play on Friday night, so he has been looking good," fellow defender Sam Fisher said.
Maguire and Max Hudghton were among a group of senior players, including ruckmen Steven King and Michael Gardiner, who sat out a two-hour training session yesterday.
Young wingman Eljay Connors, restricted to only one pre-season game in his debut season by a shoulder injury, is ready to play again.
The Saints will use the intraclub game to take a look at most of their draft picks and nine rookies.
The rookies include 208cm former basketballer Blake McGrath and speedy forward Ross Tungatulum from Northern Territory club St Marys.
First selection Tom Lynch and Gippsland recruit Nick Heyne are candidates if captain Nick Riewoldt doesn't recover from knee surgery in time for the AFL season opener.Midfielder Lenny Hayes (calf) and onballer Steven Baker (knee) won't be risked before the Saints first NAB Cup game against Brisbane on the Gold Coast on Saturday week.
Practice match info (goose) from HS
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