THE NEW kick-in rules are set to open up the game for teams that can exploit them, and St Kilda knows it has a serious weapon on its hands. 

Shane Savage's thumping right boot was used after opposition behinds more than any other Saint last season and that is set to continue. 

FANTASY BOOST Who will be helped by the new rules?

As a refresher, the kick-in changes will see the man on the mark pushed back to 10m out from the top of the goalsquare, rather than 5m. 

Also, if someone like Savage chooses to play on, he won't need to kick to himself first. 

GETTING THEIR KICKS Your club's top kick-in experts

To put it simply, sides should be able to gain a lot more ground than previously. 

It won't be a case of going fast every time though. In fact, St Kilda identified it tended to move the ball too quickly in 2018, leading to some unsightly turnovers. 

For Savage, how swiftly he goes will depend on the situation. 

"The way I see it, it's risk versus reward," Savage told AFL.com.au.

"If you want to play it safe, then just stay in the square and look to find an option, but if you want to take a risk, then look to take them on and take a bit of ground." 

While the 28-year-old is poised to take the bulk of kick-in duties, scything left-footer Jimmy Webster and the cool-headed Dylan Roberton will also help out. 

The trio have spoken about how they plan on adapting to the new rules. 

"At training, we're always looking for innovative ways to take the opposition on and get bang for buck, because I guess the worst option for us is to kick it short and get closed down," Savage said.

Another important aspect of improving kick-ins is what happens further up the ground. 

"The thing we focused on a lot more this year is just a lot more movement, getting moving and not being stagnant for the kicker, and just giving him a better option," Savage said. 

"That's obviously been a big focus, just making it easier for us to find something, because there's nothing worse when everyone's just standing still and there aren't many options for the kicker." 

The former Hawk admitted last year he was better and more consistent than during the 2017 campaign, but his impressive season ended a month early after suffering a torn left hamstring at training.

Repeating that form won't be Savage's only focus, with the backman set to resume his role as match-day DJ. 

He's open to most music, even the trance enjoyed by Jade Gresham and some of his younger peers, but draws the line at heavy metal. 

For anyone who doesn't like what's being played, the advice is pretty simple. 

"There's always someone that has a little bit of a sook about what sort of music I'm playing. It's pretty simple, just put some headphones on and listen to whatever you want," Savage said.