St Kilda expects Jarryn Geary to recover from facial surgery in time for Round 1

St Kilda is confident Jarryn Geary will be right for Round 1 despite the St Kilda skipper breaking his face against Collingwood. Regardless, the Saints will consider up to four inclusions for their season-opener.

Jarryn Geary suffered a facial fracture against Collingwood. Picture: Getty Images

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A facial fracture won’t stop inspirational St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary from taking on North Melbourne in Round 1.

The Saints defender had surgery on Monday morning to have a small break near his temple popped out after a collision late in the win over Collingwood.

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He continued to play for several minutes but eventually finished the game on the bench, with Saints doctors in no doubt he will be fit to play 13 days after the procedure.

It continues a horror run that saw Geary overcome compartment syndrome that required dramatic surgical intervention last year before breaking his leg in China in his return game.

Some facial fractures require plates to be inserted but St Kilda is confident he will be ready to take on the Roos without great risk.

St Kilda has considerable pressure for spots under Brett Ratten with Jimmy Webster and Jake Carlisle both expected to push strongly to come into the team against North Melbourne.

Carlisle missed several sessions early last week with a family issue and so did not play against Collingwood but is clearly in the best back six.

Jarryn Geary tackles Magpies forward Jaidyn Stephenson. Picture: AFL Photos

Jimmy Webster skipped the clash given a sore shoulder and despite only eight games due to injury last year is in the Saints best team when up and running.

Star midfielders Seb Ross and Jade Gresham are automatic inclusions who were rested due to loads from the Saints’ win over the Pies.

St Kilda had 24 players in its Marsh Series side against the Pies in Morwell so would have to make six changes to bring in all four of those returning Saints.

Ratten was thrilled with the hitout against Collingwood despite some scrappy early footy as 2018’s No.4 draft pick Max King franked his Round 1 debut with some strong early marking.

“Max is developing well as a young man. He could have kicked three early. He’s done enough to put his name up there for selection,” Ratten said.

“We want 30 blokes to select from. Our list is fairly healthy, but he’s done a fair bit (to put his hand up for a Round 1 debut).”

Originally published as St Kilda expects Jarryn Geary to recover from facial surgery in time for Round 1