VETERAN Lenny Hayes is a late withdrawal in the extended squad that will face Carlton on Sunday.

Hayes, who is out with groin soreness, is being replaced by Sam Dunell in the 25-man squad.



With Jimmy Webster (foot) the only out, the Saints seven-man bench includes Adam Schneider, Farren Ray, Dylan Roberton and Trent Dennis-Lane.

RELATED: Webster out for the year

Since the game isn’t until Sunday, Alan Richardson will not trim this bench until 5pm on Friday.

Schneider and Ray’s inclusion is no real surprise given their prolific form in the VFL on the weekend.

VIDEO: Adam Schneider VFL highlights

Schneider racked up 30 disposals in Sandringham’s 65-point win over Bendigo Gold and laid 11 tackles, while Ray, despite being tagged, tallied 28 possessions and pumped the ball inside 50 on seven occasions.

VIDEO: Farren Ray VFL highlights

If included in the final squad, Schneider and Ray add significant class and experience to the line-up given their combined total of 394 AFL games.

Meanwhile, Webster’s foot injury sustained against Richmond last week has potentially left the door ajar for Roberton to make a return to the senior aside after over three months in the VFL.

Preview: St Kilda vs Carlton! Also watch our exclusive interview with defender @keys_delaney: http://t.co/zNKdpGLDG7 pic.twitter.com/mEdEmkwOZQ — St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) July 3, 2014



The 59-gamer’s performance last week strongly suggests he’s over the ankle injury that hampered him before the bye, and his inclusion on the extended interchange bench puts him firmly in the mix for his first AFL match since round two.

“Dylan probably played his best game for a long time,” St Kilda assistant coach Paul Hudson said in this week’s VFL player breakdown.

“We’ve been critical of Robbo in the past for not having the defensive pressure we wanted, but he had a few tackles and really cracked in on Sunday. It was great to see. His ball use was also a lot better and covered the ground really well.”

VIDEO: Dylan Roberton VFL highlights

From a forward-line perspective, Trent Dennis-Lane has been named in the squad after a solid fortnight for the Zebras.

RELATED: TDL throws hat into the ring

While the ex-Swan has never been a big possession-winner, his pressure and cleverness around goal makes him a handy addition should Richardson name him in the final team. Dennis-Lane hasn't played for the Saints since round 17 last year.

“It was pleasing to see him make the most of his opportunities too, kicking three goals as a small forward,” Hudson said.

In other selection news, Lenny Hayes, despite being under an injury cloud earlier this week, has been named on the half-forward-flank in what will be his 291st game for the Saints, while Tom Hickey will play in the VFL for the third consecutive week.

ST KILDA TEAM vs CARLTON (Extended squad)

B: Newnes, Delaney, Dempster

HB: Savage, Gwilt, Shenton

C: Steven, Armitage, Montagna

HF: Ray, Riewoldt, Dunstan

FF: Billings, Stanley, Minchington

Foll: Longer, Weller, Ross

I/C: Jones, Dennis-Lane, Schneider, Roberton, Dunell, Simpkin, Milera

In: Schneider, Ray, Dennis-Lane, Roberton, Dunell



Out: Webster (foot)

Milestones: Armitage (100 games)