ST KILDA is set to unveil three recycled players in its season-opener against Melbourne on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.
Key defender Jake Carlisle was traded from Essendon at the end of 2015 but missed all of last season with a doping ban while fellow backman Nathan Brown and former Giant Jack Steele came to the club at the end of last year.
Saints coach Alan Richardson said on Thursday that all three had made a strong impression throughout the JLT Community Series, where they played every game.
"The new players to our club … have been really positive, so they're every chance to play. We've got a training session we have to get through and make sure we're fit and healthy and finish off selection, but certainly they've done everything right," he said.
Having a bolstered defence means several other names will have to be shuffled around, with Sean Dempster, Dylan Roberton and Sam Gilbert also able to play tall.
"It's unlikely that we'll play all those blokes in the backline. We certainly need to get some balance there and make sure we get some run from players like (Jimmy) Webster and (Jarryn) Geary, and (Leigh) Montagna when he's available, and Shane Savage," Richardson said.
Montagna trained on Thursday with a strapped right calf. He will look to play in a practice match for Sandringham on Sunday to make his case for selection in the round two clash against West Coast in Perth.
Another of the club's recruits, Koby Stevens, was in hospital for a week after suffering food poisoning during the trip to Albury for the final pre-season game against Sydney. He was limited to light duties on Thursday and won't play at any level this week.
St Kilda has a difficult choice in deciding who will ruck. The Saints typically go with one big man to take most of the minutes, while Josh Bruce offers support.
Melbourne's Max Gawn was named in the All Australian team last year but Hickey played well both times against the Dees last year.
"We know that's a real strength for the Demons. We've generally gone with the one ruckman so we've got some decisions to make there," Richardson said.
"Hickey's been in really good form. Hickey couldn't have been any more impressive in his last outing against Sydney, so it's a pleasant headache."
Injury-riddled runner Nathan Freeman has been struggling with a hip complaint in recent times.
"Really solid period up until about a month ago. His hamstring is really good, which is our want. A little bit grumbly in his hip but should be back in training (by) hopefully late next week," Richardson said.
Jack Steele (left) tackles Jack Steven at St Kilda training on Thursday. Picture: Getty Images
