Setback for Saints recruit, young star shines in win over Suns

St Kilda recruit Jack Silvagni became the fourth player in recent days to enter the AFL's concussion protocols following last night's practice match victory over Gold Coast.

Silvagni clashed with teammate Callum Wilkie when attempting to spoil a ball on the last line of defence in the first quarter.

After coming off, he returned to the field to play out the term before being ruled out with concussion.

With 16 days until St Kilda's Opening Round clash against Collingwood, Silvagni will have the chance to clear the return-to-play steps but will have an interrupted lead-in.

It comes after a frustrating pre-season for Silvagni, who was hampered by a groin issue which prevented him from playing beyond Round 16 in 2025.

Thursday night's incident follows Ryan Lester and Oscar Allen suffering concussions for Brisbane in its practice match against Carlton on Wednesday night, while Liam Duggan is also in the protocols after West Coast's intra-club last week.

Like Silvagni, all three should be available for their club's season opener, but the spate of early-season concussions is of concern, particularly given it has come after the period of highest risk for soft tissue injuries.

Darcy Moore, Jeremy Howe, Max King, Sam Taylor, Jeremy Cameron and Toby Bedford are among the big names to have suffered soft tissue setbacks across the past fortnight.

Tom Green (ACL), Will Day (shoulder), Jack Viney (Achilles), Mark Keane (ankle) and Dan Curtin (knee) are other big names to have suffered injuries across pre-season.

The Saints comfortably accounted for an under-strength Gold Coast in the practice match.

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In positive news for St Kilda fans, Mattaes Phillipou was part of the starting midfield and was arguably the best player on the field after managing just seven games last season.

Sam Flanders also looked comfortable in his first unofficial game in his new colours, adding class to the midfield.

For Gold Coast, prized recruit Christian Petracca was one of the most impressive players on a difficult night.

Fellow recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan managed just one goal as he was the victim of poor entries inside 50 and struggled to break free of the Saints' defensive aerial threats.

Coming off a promising State of Origin game, Wil Powell added sizzle to the midfield with his clean skills a standout.