Jones, Marshall in doubt for Saints’ and Tigers’ Thursday night blockbuster

Injury-prone St Kilda midfielder Zak Jones may miss the club’s Thursday night date with Richmond, while ruckman Rowan Marshall is also in doubt for the clash.

Jones and Marshall were both on light duties at training at Moorabbin on Tuesday, less than three days after the Saints’ stirring win over West Coast.

Zak Jones could miss St Kilda’s prime time clash with Richmond. Credit:Getty Images

Playing in his return game from a foot injury, Marshall snapped his plantar fascia against the Eagles. He played out the match and the injury is unlikely to be a major concern in the long-run but he could still be spared from the Marvel Stadium “Maddie’s Match” given the Saints are coming off a short turnaround.

Jones has been plagued by soft tissue injuries in recent seasons, missing round one because of a hamstring strain. He is no guarantee to play against the Tigers as the Saints look to be conservative with the on-baller off a five-day break.

Jack Billings was hopeful both would be available to play.

“He seems like he’s recovering pretty well. He’s getting better each day. Fingers crossed that he gets up,” Billings said of Marshall after training.

Of Jones, Billings said: “Hopefully [he plays], he’s another one, see how he pulls up. He was pretty light today just with his history. Fingers crossed he’s right to go, so we’ll see what happens.”

Veteran ruckman Paddy Ryder trained with the main group as he closes in on a return after taking a break from the club for personal reasons last month.

But he is likely to be at least another week away from playing at AFL level.

“[It’s] just great to see him happy with a smile on his face, and he really enjoyed going back home and spending time with family and friends and that’s the main thing for us as a footy club, his wellbeing is first and foremost the most important thing, so [it’s] great to have him back around the place,” Billings said.

Billings has started the season strongly, averaging 24 disposals and 1.5 goals per game. The former No.3 draft pick is a free agent this year and has long been linked with Essendon, who have considerable salary cap room after their exodus of senior players at the end of last season.

Billings said there was yet to be much movement on a new contract.

“Na not really. Obviously [it’s] early in the year and I’m just focusing on the footy and hopefully it takes care of itself at some stage,” he said.

Asked if he was keen to stay at Moorabbin, Billings said: “Hopefully, see how we go.”

The forward/midfielder said he had learnt from previous seasons in which he was out-of-contract.

“I think the biggest thing was just focusing on what I could control and that was playing my part for the team each week and just focusing on footy which is the most important thing,” he said.

“You’ve got a manager who deals with all that sort of stuff for a reason, so you sort of let them look after it and you just focus on what you love doing, that’s playing footy, and I feel like that worked for me in the past, and if we’re winning I’m just happy, it’s all good.

“Things can happen, you can get injured and not be out there so things can start to come into your mind and things like that. It depends how you’re going and the team’s going. For me, personally, I just come back to what I can control. I love the game, I love playing with the boys and running out each week and never take it for granted, so I just try and worry about that and have fun.”

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