FORGOTTEN St Kilda ruckman Lewis Pierce is set to play his first game in more than two years against Essendon on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, AFL.com.au understands draftee Ben Paton will debut.

Spots in the side opened up after Tom Hickey injured his left hamstring tendon last Saturday night against the Western Bulldogs, while Josh Battle was concussed in the opening minutes of that clash.

Billy Longer is sidelined after left ankle surgery last week.

Pierce, 23, played his only career match against Carlton in round 12, 2016, mainly lining up in the forward line and kicking a goal.

He was handed a two-year contract at the end of that season.

In 2017, he spent time in defence for Sandringham and played three games in the now-defunct development league, which was effectively the thirds.

Pierce was then delisted and re-drafted as a rookie. 

He wasn't able to play his preferred position last year, since he was competing with Hickey, Rowan Marshall and former Saint Jason Holmes for spots, so an agreement was reached that allowed him to represent Frankston this year. 

Dolphins coach Adam Skrobalak is also the ruck coach at St Kilda.

Pierce has put together impressive VFL form in 2018 despite being part of a young side that has won just two games.

A hamstring injury earlier this year ruined his chances of a potential berth in the senior side.

Against Footscray last Saturday, Pierce had 14 disposals, six tackles and 54 hit-outs.

His counterpart, Tim English, finished with nine disposals, six marks, two goals and 33 hit-outs.

Pierce's contract expires at year's end.

Paton was drafted at No.46 in 2017 and has been named an emergency on 10 occasions.

The speedy midfielder can play both inside and outside the contest.