Heath Hocking, David Zaharakis, Kyle Reimers and Sam Lonergan also return for Essendon, which is aiming to advance to its first pre-season grand final since 2000.
A broken arm means Alwyn Davey will watch on from the sidelines, as will veteran defender Dustin Fletcher.
Beaten by the Western Bulldogs in the NAB Cup decider last year, the Saints are just one win away from getting another chance to lift the trophy.
They have included a host of their gun players, including Nick Riewoldt, Brendon Goddard and Lenny Hayes.
Sam Gilbert has been left out of the St Kilda squad, as has ruckman Michael Gardiner and key forward Justin Koschitzke.
Gardiner and Koschitzke have both had interrupted pre-seasons and are racing to be fit for round one of the home and away campaign.
