I debated whether to include the '?' at the end of the title. I didn't want to appear too arrogant.
The Saints are undefeated after edging out Melbourne and GWS. We are undefeated after destroying the Dogs and Demons.
I can't imagine a scenario in which we don't, at the very least, easily account for the Saints. They are team of two contrasts; ageing stars past their prime and young, untested rookies. That kind of combination screams death at Subiaco Oval.
We are full of confidence, immeasurably more talented, bigger, stronger. Essentially we are much, much, much better in every tangible category. Just look at their half back line for example. I honestly couldn't pick any of those guys out of a line-up. We will kick a massive score.
They should be at least competitive in the midfield, with whatever Hayes has left in his ageing legs keeping their head above water, but besides Riewoldt who is going to worry us?
WEST COAST
B Jamie Bennell, Darren Glass, Mitchell Brown
HB Matt Rosa, Eric Mackenzie, Elliot Yeo
C Chris Masten, Matt Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF Sharrod Wellingham, Josh Kennedy, Xavier Ellis
F Mark LeCras, Jack Darling, Jamie Cripps
FOLL Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C Nic Naitanui, Brad Sheppard, Brant Colledge, Callum Sinclair
IN Brant Colledge
OUT Shannon Hurn (Knee)
ST KILDA
B Sean Dempster, James Gwilt, Sam Gilbert
HB Nathan Wright, Luke Delaney, Jimmy Webster
C Jarryn Geary, Lenny Hayes, Farren Ray
HF Clinton Jones, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna
F Eli Templeton, Beau Maister, Josh Saunders
FOLL Tom Hickey, David Armitage, Tom Curren
I/C Jack Newnes, Rhys Stanley, Shane Savage, Luke Dunstan
IN Jimmy Webster
OUT Dylan Roberton (omitted)
Hurn is the big omission, reported to miss around 4 weeks, whilst Brant Colledge gets the nod. Interesting name Brant. I have no knowledge of him as a player, but it's a good game to ease into. Still no Hill, nor Schofield, nor Lycett.
There's not much left to write, except enjoy this game, because next week we face the Cats in Geelong. That's also known as 'when our season begins'.
