St Kilda coach Alan Richardson says full-forward Paddy McCartin couldn't be in better form as he returns to the AFL against the resurgent Sydney Swans.
The former No.1 draft pick has booted 18 goals in five matches in the VFL to force his way in at the expense of Josh Bruce for Saturday's Etihad Stadium match.
He is set to partner with former Sydney sharpshooter Tim Membrey and veteran Nick Riewoldt as the Saints gun for their sixth win in seven matches.
Richardson is counting on McMartin improving the Saints' wobbly conversion rate.
"We've played some strong footy without really capitalising on some of our dominance - the weekend's game against the Blues is a good example, 54 entries to 33 and we really didn't grab hold of the game until the last quarter," Richardson said.
"We haven't been able to maximise our work in front of the ball and we think Paddy can help there."
As well as goal-kicking Richardson said he'd been impressed with McCartin's overhead marking, which gave him the edge over the faltering Bruce.
The 24-year-old former Giant has struggled for form this season and Richardson urged him to follow McCartin's lead.
"Some of Brucey's defensive stuff has been pretty positive, but he's just not been able to finish off his work like we know he can.
"We just need him to go back (to Sandringham) and get his form," Richardson said.
St Kilda key defender Jake Carlisle was in the spotlight this week with his involvement in the sledging drama surrounding Blues skipper Marc Murphy.
Richardson said the in-form Carlisle needed to keep his focus on stopping the Swans' three-pronged attack led by superstar Lance Franklin.
"The focus for Jake and for all our players is to focus on what we can control and our focus is on Sydney," Richardson said.
"He'll have a good player, whoever he's playing on, whether it's Franklin, (Kurt Tippett or (Sam) Reid it's as simple as that."
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