ST KILDA midfielder Luke Dunstan was back in full training at Linen House Centre on Wednesday after recovering from a shoulder reconstruction. 

The hard nut missed the final three matches of 2016 after going under the knife last August. He severely injured the shoulder when he dislocated it in the round 20 clash against Carlton. 

Dunstan, 21, was previously restricted to running.

He was involved in centre-bounce practice with his fellow onballers before full match simulation. Some players left the track after that, while Dunstan and others worked on their running. 

Competition for spots in the engine room has heated up after the Saints traded in another couple of inside midfielders to their list in the offseason, with Koby Stevens brought in from the Western Bulldogs and Jack Steele acquired from Greater Western Sydney.

St Kilda's abundance of tall forward options was also on display. Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey and Paddy McCartin will likely slot into the best team and all took to the field on Wednesday, while Lewis Pierce and draftees Josh Battle and Rowan Marshall were on the park. 

Marshall was the club's only selection in last year's rookie draft, and while he lined up in attack, he can also play as a ruckman. 

Several Saints did not take part in the session, including Jack Steven, Jake Carlisle and Nick Riewoldt. 

Free agency pick-up Nathan Brown was vocal in the backline as he helped coach his younger teammates.