Former Gold Coast SUN Maverick Weller could be handed the toughest job in football this Sunday with Saints coach Alan Richardson throwing his name in the ring to tag Gary Ablett at Etihad Stadium.

Weller has played just two matches this season after he was promoted from the Saints’ rookie list prior to the devastating loss to Hawthorn at the start of this month.  He joined St Kilda through the 2013 Rookie Draft after he was delisted by the GC SUNS at the end of 2013.

While another young Saint, Tom Curren, has been given most of the club’s lockdown jobs this season, Richardson said Weller would also join Clint Jones in trying to put the clamps on Ablett at some stage.

“(Tom) Curren has done a pretty good job for us.  Jonesy has done some reasonable work and Mav Waller has obviously played that role for us, predominantly at VFL level, but he’s a chance to get a crack at him, as well,” Richardson said.

Ablett was well held by Jones in the Saints’ 46-point win over the SUNS towards the end of last season, but Richardson was full of praise for the two-time Brownlow medallist.

“They are really well led.  He’s a fair player, their skipper.

“He presents a headache whether he is on the ball or forward.  He’s a fantastic player.”

Richardson flagged after the loss to Carlton on Monday night that star midfielder Jack Steven may be rested as he continues to build his fitness level after a pre-season foot injury.

Last year’s All-Australian nominee looks set to play, though, despite his lack of conditioning.

“After fairly heavy consultation with Jack and the medicos, he’s right to go.

“He hasn’t had the ideal preparation, given that he missed six weeks with his injury.  We’ve asked really meaningful roles of Jack, and his conditioning has not been ideal, but he’s building.”