ST KILDA is set to unleash new ruck duo Steven King and Michael Gardiner for their first official matches in Saints colours against Richmond at Telstra Dome next Friday night.

The two injury-prone big men both looked in good fitness, swapping in the ruck in the intra-club practice match at Linen House Oval, and coach Ross Lyon said they had both booked their place for the opening round NAB Cup match.

"I was on record if they stood up today that they would play next week," Lyon said.

Ex-West Coast All Australian ruckmen Gardiner spent last year on the Saints' list, but managed only one VFL game because of chronic foot injuries.

Former Geelong skipper King was famously traded by the Cats after playing in their premiership victory last year.

King in particular looked in great form and fitness, in what was a mostly low-intensity practice match in windy conditions, with about 10 first-choice players sitting it out.

He and Gardiner took turns opposing fellow Saints ruckman Michael Rix, with rookie-listed youngster Luke Van Rheenen also having occasional spells while Rix rested.

"It was nice, Michael's fought some significant injury problems, but he's been in full training for a fair while now and we were always confident he was going to play today and play round one," Lyon said.

"Kingy's obviously come off a rock-solid year and they both contributed, so I thought it was a good battle between Rix, Gardiner, King and Van Rheenen."

The acquisition and fitness of King and Gardiner turns what had been a problem area for the Saints into a potential strength, particularly as ruckman-forward Justin Koschitzke is also ready to hit the season at top form.

Koschitzke was the star of the match, taking a heap of contested marks, although his kicking was not helped by the conditions, finishing with 4.3, as well as one out-on-the-full.

"He's built on last year's 18 or 20 games ... and another solid pre-season and injury-free, so he looks good," Lyon said.

"He's coming to a stage of his career where he'll be looking to ramp up his performance."

Lyon said he would face an interesting, but welcome, juggling act with his ruckmen.