St Kilda and Sydney will bring close to full strength squads to the Border for Sunday’s JLT Community Series clash at Lavington Oval.
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Key forwards Nick Riewoldt and Lance Franklin have both been confirmed to make the trip for the final hit-out of before the start of the AFL season.
Young St Kilda defender Jimmy Webster said it’s important the Saints play good football and set themselves up for a strong showing in round one.
“We’ve got a pretty good side in this week, so hopefully we play some good footy against Sydney,” Webster said.
“The list is healthy at the moment and we’ve got no injuries.
“It’s good to come up to local footy grounds and hopefully we get a big crowd there.”
“I haven’t played there (at Lavington), but I’ve heard it’s a pretty good deck, so I’m excited to get up there and have a look.”
Webster admitted it has arguably been his biggest pre-season with the club.
“My first few years I’ve had some hammy injuries and some shin stuff, so this pre-season I’ve done most of it, which is good for me,” he said.
“Now I’m looking forward to getting into a new year.
“I played the first 11 games and then done my hammy twice, so I had a frustrating year last year.”
But staying in the best 22 on a young and improving list is easier said than done.
“I want to play some good, consistent footy and cement my spot,” Webster said.
“With no injuries it’s been pretty tough (for spots), but it’s great for the club.
“You never get comfortable with where you’re at because everyone is fighting for the spots.”
St Kilda has been busy in the off-season and welcomed a number of new faces from rival clubs, all of which have made a big impact according to Webster.
“Jack Steele played an awesome game last week with 27 touches and two goals and Koby (Stevens) has been really good,” he said.
“Having (Jake) Carlisle and (Nathan) Brown in the backline as two key defenders has been great for us in the last two games and I think they’re going to help us massively.”
Applying his craft in the back half of the ground, Webster continues to relish the opportunity alongside the Saints’ veterans, including new skipper Jarryn Geary.
“Jarryn is someone I do a lot of work with and (Leigh) Montagna is another one, so it’s good to have those older guys to learn off and help show you the ropes,” Webster said.
“Around the club, he’s (Geary) been awesome and all the boys love him, so I think he’s going to be great for the team.”