AFL pre-season news: Mason Wood, Jack Higgins star in St Kilda’s win over North Melbourne

St Kilda looks to have pulled off another trade heist after Jack Higgins starred in his first hitout as a Saint. Check out Chris Cavanagh’s full analysis.

Discarded North Melbourne forward Mason Wood has put his hand up to make a Round 1 debut for St Kilda after starring against his old side in a practice match at Arden Street.

Wood booted four goals as the dominant forward on the ground to help the Saints to a 91-point belting of North Melbourne.

The performance came just weeks after the 27-year-old was thrown a football lifeline by the Saints as part of the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP).

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Wood had been delisted by the Kangaroos at the end of last year following 65 games across seven seasons.

“He played really well,” fellow St Kilda forward Tim Membrey said of Wood.

“If there’s a spot there (in Round 1), he’ll be definitely putting his hand up, for sure. He didn’t do himself any harm.

“He covers the ground really well, takes a strong mark and knows how to play forward. He can get up on the wing as well and can really test opponents with his big tank.”

The Saints moved the ball with speed and showed no shortage of avenues to goal in the 22.8 (140) to 6.13 (49) victory.

Josh Battle (three goals) was also impressive in attack, as were Membrey and Max King who each booted two majors.

Jack Higgins was one of St Kilda’s standouts in its big win.

Small forwards Jack Lonie and Dan Butler made the most of their opportunities, while former Richmond forward Jack Higgins booted two goals playing through the midfield and across half-forward.

“With Maxy (King) competing, doing what he’s doing, he’s going to be a handful,” Membrey said.

“Then we’ve got some really dangerous small forwards, too. When that ball gets to ground, they’re always going to look lively and kick a few goals as well.”

Former Collingwood forward Jaidyn Stephenson was fairly quiet in his first hitout for North Melbourne but bobbed up to kick two nice goals.

Kangaroos midfielder Jy Simpkin said the Kangaroos would not dwell on the loss, which was a good “jelling experience” for the side under new coach David Noble.

“When we did move the ball through the corridor and played some aggressive footy at times, there was some really good passages of play,” Simpkin said.

“So I think that’s what the fans can be excited about going forward.”

Former Collingwood forward Jaidyn Stephenson booted two goals in his first hitout for North Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

IN A NUTSHELL

KANGAROOS

Strap yourselves in for a long season, Roos fans. While there were a couple of key stars missing and it is a new-look North Melbourne line-up, the loss to the Saints was a genuine drubbing. The main absentees – Ben Cunnington and Todd Goldstein – were sorely missed from the midfield but there is not much to come back into what was an unorganised defence and a forward line that lacked targets. It looks like it’s going to take some time for new coach David Noble to bring it all together.

SAINTS

The Saints were one of the sides most intent on moving the ball with speed last year and not much has changed over summer. In a slick display, their fast end-to-end ball movement was a highlight and a bolstered forward line looks seriously potent. This was a statement that St Kilda means business this year – even in scratch matches.

SELECTION PUZZLES

KANGAROOS

First-year midfielder Charlie Lazzaro did not do his chances of a Round 1 debut any harm with a strong second half through the midfield. The biggest problem for the Kangaroos appears to be a lack of targets forward. Nick Larkey looked the only one likely to take a mark and he was not even down there the whole time as he also helped out in the ruck.

SAINTS

What to do down back? The Saints look to have a surplus of medium-tall defenders between Dougal Howard, Callum Wilkie, Ben Long, James Frawley and Tom Highmore. That is leaving out Jake Carlisle, who missed the game. Frawley played only the first half, with Highmore coming on for the second.

Tim Membrey celebrates one of St Kilda’s 22 goals against North Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

ONES TO WATCH

JACK HIGGINS

Wasn’t as prolific later in the game as he was early, but made a serious start in his new colours for the Saints with two first-quarter goals. The former Tiger went on to set up another couple of goals and spent significant time in the midfield where he wants to be.

MAX KING

The Saints’ key forward looks set for a big year. He took some customary big marks and kicked two goals in a very nice performance as he prepares to enter his second season in the AFL.

JAMES FRAWLEY

The one-time retired Hawthorn defender looks to have wound the clock back since moving to Moorabbin. Moved well and took some big marks in defence during an eye-catching first half from the 32-year-old Hawks premiership player.

SIDELINED

KANGAROOS

Star onballer Ben Cunnington missed the scratch match after suffering a concussion in an intra-club match on February 12 but is expected to return for next Saturday’s pre-season match against Hawthorn. Ruckman Todd Goldstein (ribs) was the other notable absentee for the Roos, while Trent Dumont and Jared Polec also missed.

SAINTS

Co-captain Jarryn Geary (fractured fibula) won’t be back until mid-season after having surgery in late January. Ruckman Rowan Marshall (foot) looks set to miss the start of the season with a foot stress hotspot, while Zak Jones (hamstring) and Dan Hannebery (calf) are targeting Round 1 returns. Jade Gresham (back) plans to return for next Thursday’s pre-season clash with Carlton.

Originally published as AFL pre-season news: Mason Wood, Jack Higgins star in St Kilda’s win over North Melbourne