ST KILDA is eagerly awaiting the competitive debut of new ruck partnership Michael Gardiner and Steven King when it launches its NAB Cup challenge against Richmond on Friday night at the Telstra Dome.

King was recruited just weeks after winning a premiership with the Cats last season, while a foot injury has prevented Michael Gardiner from playing his first game for the Saints since he was traded from West Coast in 2006.

“We had a glimpse of Kingy and Gardy last weekend in our intra-club game,” defender Sam Fisher said. “They both put on really good performances, so we’re really looking forward to seeing how they go tomorrow.

“They’ll be a great asset to our side, not only on the field, but Kingy’s come to our club and shown great leadership around the club as well. Being an ex-captain at Geelong, he’s brought a lot of good things to the club.”

The 25-year-old defender says the most encouraging thing about the Saints’ pre-season is the amount of players in full training.

“Everyone’s up and going at this time of year. I was watching the rehab group train yesterday and there’s only five people in that so it’s a really positive sign for us… we’re a long way from where we were in previous years.”

Fisher also believes that, with coach Ross Lyon entering his second year at the helm, the team is in a much better position this year going into the season.

“Early on last year we struggled,” he said. “Ross was getting to know our playing group and we were getting to know Ross’s structures. Now we’ve got another pre-season under our belt…we’re definitely a lot more confident this year.”