St Kilda have concluded their AFL pre-season campaign with a commanding 43-point triumph over Essendon at Mars Stadium on Saturday, showcasing strong form ahead of the regular season. However, the victory was overshadowed by significant injury concerns that could impact their lineup for the upcoming Opening Round clash against Collingwood.
Injury Blows for Key Players
Captain Callum Wilkie suffered a corked calf early in the match, lasting only minutes before being withdrawn from the game. With just eight days to recover, he is now in a tight race against time to be fit for the season opener against the Magpies next Sunday night. Despite limping to the quarter-time huddle with ice on his right calf, Wilkie expressed confidence at half-time, telling Fox Sports he had no doubts about his availability for next week.
Byrnes' Ankle Injury Adds to Woes
In the third quarter, Ryan Byrnes added to St Kilda's injury woes when he left the field with an ankle complaint. The 24-year-old midfielder, who had been in impressive pre-season form across the Saints' two games, cut a dejected figure in the changerooms and later reemerged on crutches. He will require a scan to assess the damage, potentially facing a stint on the sidelines, which is particularly unfortunate given his standout performances leading up to this setback.
Controversial Tackle and Suspension Concerns
Before his injury, Byrnes was involved in a dangerous tackle by Essendon midfielder Sam Durham, which could result in disciplinary action. Durham may face a one-match suspension for the dumping motion, but he could be saved by the fact that Byrnes was not concussed during the incident. This adds another layer of drama to the pre-season encounter, highlighting the physical intensity of AFL matches.
Team Updates and Absences
St Kilda will welcome back fresh signing Jack Silvagni for Opening Round, after the former Carlton utility missed Saturday's game due to concussion protocols following a head knock during match simulation against Gold Coast. Additionally, Brad Hill was a late omission from the pre-season match due to illness, further affecting the team's preparations.
Overall, while St Kilda's pre-season win demonstrates their competitive edge, the injuries to Wilkie and Byrnes pose challenges as they gear up for the AFL season start. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring their recovery progress in the coming days.
