ST KILDA players will run onto the playing field just minutes before the first bounce on Thursday night against Hawthorn, in an initiative that hasn't been seen at AFL level before.
As part of the Saints' personalised match day experience, they are set to experiment with how the players enter the arena ahead of the first bounce.
On Thursday night at Etihad Stadium, they will run through their extended warm up 20 minutes before the start and then return to the rooms to finish their preparation.
While the Hawks will stick to the traditional routine and stage the usual 8-11 minutes of pre-game warm up before the bounce, the Saints will enter with just three minutes until the siren.
They'll burst through the banner and acting captain Leigh Montagna will head straight to the centre circle for the coin toss, with both teams to be in position a minute later.
The move is designed to build the atmosphere right before the first contest.
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The club song will also be used to enhance the fan experience, with the tune to be incorporated into the pre-match trial.
The Saints are looking at a range of features to showcase at their 10 home games this season, which start on April 5 when they host Greater Western Sydney.
"We are committed to creating a highly engaging game-day St Kilda experience and if this trial goes well, we will consider rolling out this new pre-match routine at all Etihad Stadium home games to help create some excitement," CEO Matt Finnis said.
"Naturally, winning games of football is the priority and, importantly, the players and coaching personnel are right behind the work we are doing.
"We pride ourselves on being the 'people's club' and are determined to reconnect with our supporters by being open and inclusive and bringing our club to them in fresh and exciting ways – this trial is simply part of that promise."
The club is also looking at featuring live music before games, establishing a concentration of fan seating in bays around the cheer squad, and tapping into the inclusive atmosphere that was generated at games held at Moorabbin.
And, they're trying to arrange the opportunity for kick-to-kick on the Etihad Stadium surface after home games, particularly on Sundays when children are admitted free.
Etihad Stadium has also come to the party with its multi-million dollar IPTV network and dual-level LED signage that will allow clubs to "personalise" the venue in their colours and with produced content.
The system will be ceremonially switched on for the first time on Thursday morning.
The Saints are also poised to announce a new sponsorship agreement on Thursday.
