Even with two of the Gold Coast SUNS top talls out, St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton has admitted it will still be a big ask containing the home side’s bigs in Saturday night’s clash at Metricon Stadium.

Charlie Dixon (quad) and Zac Smith (ankle) are both out, with Daniel Gorringe coming in for his first AFL game of the season.

SUNS coach Guy McKenna still has plenty of options up his sleeve with Tom Lynch – who kicked four goals against the Saints in round 9 – and Sam Day providing the height in the forward line.

It was the crumbers and mid-size players who did the damage at Etihad Stadium on the scoreboard last time the teams met, though, with Gary Ablett and Brandon Matera booting four each, while Harley Bennell bagged three majors.

With Ablett and Matera sidelined, the Saints’ focus has switched to keeping Lynch and Day from having a big impact on the game.

“They’re still two very good, athletic talls, so we’re going to have to be on our game,” Roberton said.

“They like to kick long and get to the feet of those guys, so the guys around the drop of the ball are going to have to be on, as well.”

The skipper ripped St Kilda to shreds in round 9 and went through a handful of minders on his way to 37 touches, but Roberton doesn’t believe his absence will make the SUNS much easier to beat on their home turf.

“I guess whenever your best player’s out, it’s pretty big. They’ve got the most talented list in the AFL; guys like Bennell and little Prestia. They’ve got so much depth and talent, so it’s going to be tough, so every match-up is going to be important for us.

“They’re going to be very disappointed with their recent form. They’ve obviously started off really well. They’ve been getting smashed in contested ball and that’s sort of been their focus. I’m sure they’ll come out very hard and be hard to beat.”