FORMER North Melbourne defender Luke Delaney has the potential to make the biggest impact of St Kilda's new recruits in 2014, says Adam Schneider.

Delaney, 24, crossed to the Saints via a trade in October after struggling for senior opportunities at the Kangaroos.

He was one of two backmen recruited, along with Greater Western Sydney's Josh Bruce, in an attempt to strengthen the side's defensive stocks.

St Kilda also picked up Brisbane Lions ruckman Billy Longer and Hawthorn midfielder Shane Savage.

The Saints rued injuries to the likes of Sam Fisher, James Gwilt, Sam Gilbert and Sean Dempster this year, which often left them exposed down back and forced the likes of Dylan Roberton to play above his height.

Schneider believes Delaney has the ability to become a cornerstone of the Saints' defence after standing out during the recent Colorado altitude training camp.

"I think Luke Delaney has impressed. He's an extremely big boy and you can just tell he knows what to do," Schneider told AFL.com.au.

"He was just lacking a chance at North Melbourne and he's really standing out to us, he's such a big body and that's exactly what we needed.

"I think he'll probably play most games if not all of them and hopefully really help us down back."

With the recruitment of the two defenders, the Saints have the nucleus to form a stable back six – something they've lacked in recent years.

"I think now with Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert, Sean Dempster, James Gwilt, Tom Simpkin and them two as well, there's a lot of big defenders down there to choose from now, which is good because last year we had a lot of injuries," Schneider said.

"This year, we've got more to choose from and put a lot of pressure on each other to keep their spot, so that's good."

The Saints' three draftees – Jack Billings, Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres – went on the Colorado camp just days after the national draft.

The two rookie acquisitions of Eli Templeton and Maverick Weller joined them a week later.

Schneider said the youngsters quickly found their feet in Boulder and impressed in training.

He also said there was no reason the three draftees couldn't push for senior selection as early as 2014.

"Luke Dunstan is a man-child, he's massive, he's up there with the strongest top five or 10 at the club in body-weight so he's got a good chance," he said.

"Jack Billings, being a No.3 draft pick, you always put expectations on these guys but they're still kids and they're going to take their time and you can't expect too much from them because that's just not fair on them.

"But I think they're a good chance and they're doing all right things at the moment and impressing so that's good to see.

"(The training camp) was the perfect way for them to get in and meet the boys and they responded really well."

Billings hurt his quad on the trip but Schneider said the youngster was back running before Christmas and just restricted with kicking.