UPDATE
St Kilda have confirmed that Marcus Windhager suffered a broken hand in Friday's practice match win over Essendon.
The young midfielder suffered the injury in the first quarter and was subsequently sent for scans.
Saints assistant Robert Harvey since told AFL Media's Cal Twomey that the prognosis was a broken hand, but that the club was still confident he'd be right to face Geelong in Round 1.
St Kilda assistant Robert Harvey says Marcus Windhager has a break in his hand but the club still expects him to be right for round one. Opposite hand to the break against the Bombers this time last year. @AFLcomau
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) February 23, 2024
Windhager also suffered a broken hand in last year's practice match against Essendon at the same venue.
EARLIER
St Kilda were comfortable 66-point winners over Essendon in practice match conditions at RSEA Park on Friday afternoon.
The Saints were without the likes of Jack Sinclair, Hunter Clark, Dan Butler, Paddy Dow, Jack Hayes, among others.
As for the Essendon, a number of their senior players played restricted minutes so Essendon fans shouldn't be too concerned by the final scoreline but there were some obvious concerns on the field.
Read below for the key takeaways from the match which finished 16.10 (106) to 5.10 (40) in favour of the Saints.
Key Saint sent for scans
St Kilda midfielder Marcus Windhager was sent for scans for a potential broken hand.
The young Saint suffered the blow in the first quarter of the club's practice match against Essendon and was later in the day spotted in a sling.
Windhager became a crucial member of Ross Lyon’s line up in 2023 with his ability to shut down the opposition’s midfielder a valuable tool.
New recruits and draftees impress
Liam Henry, Riley Bonner and first round draft pick Darcy Wilson all had their moments at their new club.
The trio are terrific users of the footy and that’s clearly an area St Kilda looked to improve in the off season and it was on show today.
Don’t be surprised to see them all playing against the Cats.
Back six at their regular stingy best
St Kilda’s back six looked extremely settled with Dougal Howard getting the nod over Zaine Cordy as that second key defender next to Callum Wilkie.
Josh Battle was barely seen after half time with the intercept defender finsihing the game on ice after injuring his knee in a marking contest against former teammate Jade Gresham.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera picked up from where he left off last year alongside Bonner with that pair being the catalyst to their attack.
Big money recruits on show for the Bombers
Ben McKay came to the Bombers on a big money contract and his height and experience down back is much needed alongside Jayden Laverde and Zach Reid who had a great battle with St Kilda’s Max King.
Reid, a top 10 pick from the 2020 National Draft, missed a lot footy with a back and hamstring complaints but he looked fit.
Former Saint Jade Gresham played his regular role as that high forward/midfielder and it’s definitely a need for the Bombers.
Former Port Adelaide wingman Xavier Duursma added some class and speed on the outside.
Big bodied midfielders a genuine need for the Bombers
Essendon’s midfield was far too small last season and the inclusion of Will Setterfield and Sam Durham into their starting midfield on Friday was a big indication that they’ve addressed it in the off season.
Both were amongst their best players on Friday afternoon and should be playing in Round 1 against Hawthorn.
Star duo Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish played limited minutes as the club monitors their fitness leading up to the Hawks on March 16.
