PRIZED St Kilda recruits Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield have proven themselves good enough to play round one, says defender Nathan Brown. 

Selected with picks eight and nine respectively in last year's NAB AFL Draft, Clark and Coffield have impressed all at the Saints with their ability to quickly adapt to life as a professional footballer. 

Both acquitted themselves well in the club's opening JLT Community Series hit-out against Carlton last week and have gained selection for Thursday night's clash with Melbourne at Casey Fields.

With over a decade of experience at AFL level, Brown has been impressed with what the developing duo brings to a young Saints side and believes they're ready to face Brisbane at Etihad Stadium in round one. 

"I think they're ready," Brown said on Wednesday. 

"They're smart, and I guess if you don't have the body size as a young fella, it's about composure, and I think those two have that in spades.

"I truly believe that, I think they are." 

Taking the positives out of an ordinary night against the Blues, the performances of Clark and Coffield are an early indication the Saints' recruiting team have made inspired choices in the two top-10 picks. 

Clark oozed class across half-forward and the wing to finish with two goals while Coffield's sound decision-making and ball use were evident in a poised performance across half-back.

Brown said the St Kilda faithful have a lot to look forward with the exciting pair.

"I've worked closely with 'Coff' down in the backline, and I think his composure for his first hit-out against (an) AFL opponent was fantastic," Brown said. 

"And Hunter's in tight contest (work) was fantastic, and he was able to hit the scoreboard.

"I think Saints fans are going to be excited about those two prospects."

Brown is also looking forward to goalkickers Jack Billings and Josh Bruce playing their first competitive games of the season against the Demons, after the duo missed the game against Carlton following interrupted preparations. 

Billings strained a hamstring in an intraclub session back in February, while Bruce played in a VFL practice game last week in his return from minor knee surgery in December. 

"It sets us up, up forward, and they're really great contest players, so we're really going to try and keep defenders accountable," Brown said. 

"(Jack) has been touted as having a big, breakout season, and we saw glimpses of it last year of what he can be.

"'Brucey" was fantastic in the reserve game last week, so we're looking forward to having him out on the park and hitting big packs."