St Kilda have a number of headaches heading into the new AFL season after several stars went down in Saturday’s big pre-season win over Essendon. Cameras captured a shattered Ryan Byrnes sitting in the sheds after being forced off the ground in the third quarter with an ankle injury, before the Saints raced away with a 43-point win.
Co-captain Callum Wilkie also left the ground in the opening minutes with a corked calf, before being taken out of the game. Star recruit Tom De Koning copped an elbow to the head that left him with a lacerated cheek, although he did escape concussion. While Brad Hill was a late scratching due to illness.
Ryan Byrnes (L) cut a devastated figure in the St Kilda sheds with an ankle injury that appears to be the biggest concern for coach Ross Lyon (R) before the new AFL season. Pic: Getty
It leaves the Saints facing a number of dilemmas heading into their blockbuster Opening Round clash against Collingwood next Sunday night. St Kilda assistant coach Corey Enright says Wilkie is expected to feature against the Pies after suggesting it was a precautionary measure to bring him off the field against Essendon.
“It’s a bit weird because he just doesn’t miss [a game],” Enright said post-match. “He wanted to stay out there, but it was just a corked calf and he said he’ll be fine, so no doubt our co-captain will be out there leading from the front [against Collingwood].”
St Kilda are confident co-captain Callum Wilkie will be right for next week’s Opening Round clash after leaving the field against Essendon with a corked calf. Pic: Getty
(James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Enright says De Koning was cleared of concussion shortly after leaving the field due to a stray elbow to the face, which required stitches. But the sight of a devastated Byrnes sitting by himself in the sheds after leaving the game with an ankle injury suggests the 24-year-old is a major doubt for next week’s season opener against the Pies. Byrnes later emerged on crutches, with scans set to determine the extent of the injury.
“[Byrnes] was just a rolled ankle, it’s really close to game time and the individuals know there’s a game in eight days, so they put a lot of work in,” Enright said about the young gun. “We’ll just have to get him assessed and see what the outcome is there.”
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera wows in St Kilda triumph
Despite their injury concerns, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera gave the Saints plenty to smile about after booting four goals in a masterful display. Having re-signed with the Saints last year on a mega-money new two-year deal, Wanganeen-Milera showed that he’s ready to go to another level in 2026.
The 23-year-old also racked up 28 disposals playing mainly through the midfield. But former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says Wanganeen-Milera’s presence and ability to cover a multitude of positions makes him a nightmare for opposition defences.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was outstanding in St Kilda’s pre-season win over Essendon at Mars Stadium. Pic: Getty
(James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“They just give him the ball at all costs, and rightly so, with what he’s able to do,” Hinkley said. “It’s impossible to coach against, because he can (play) half-back, inside and full forward. He’s a real weapon for Ross (coach Ross Lyon) and I’m sure he’ll use him that way.”
Hinkley says Wanganeen-Milera has overtaken Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos as the “most exciting” player in the AFL. And the showdown between the pair adds another intriguing subplot to St Kilda’s Opening Round clash against the Pies next week.
with AAP