St Kilda feel they're better placed than last year to crack the AFL top eight and will test the theory on Thursday night after selecting their strongest possible side for the pre-season clash with Port Adelaide.
Defender Jake Carlisle has been named to play his first competitive match since serving a season-long ban as part of Essendon's supplements scandal.
Midfield recruits Jack Steele (GWS) and Koby Stevens (Western Bulldogs) and former Collingwood defender Nathan Brown have also been included.
Veteran Leigh Montagna is the only big name missing after suffering a calf strain at training last week.
Stand-in coach Adam Kingsley said the club had targetted this Etihad Stadium match as well as game three against Sydney to play their strongest line-up, while others will be given a chance to impress in game two against Carlton.
Former skipper Nick Riewoldt is set to play three quarters against Port.
"We decided to pick in our first game the guys who have been most impressive over the summer and it's a strong squad," said Kingsley, who was given the reins by head coach Alan Richardson.
"We've developed over the course of the last five years and it's clearly harder to get a game right now than what it was in previous years.
"That's because of the development of the group and because we've been able to trade some players in who are good players."
Kingsley said the Saints were "reasonably happy" with their 2016 season, in which they finished ninth but had targeted stoppages and defence as areas to improve.
Former Bombers key-position player Carlisle is set to help them with the latter after impressing during the pre-season.
"He's had a great summer," Kingsley said.
"We've been really pleased with way he's fitted in with our group.'
Montagna, 33, is expected to be fit for the third pre-season match while young midfielder Nathan Freeman is recovering from a hip injury but could still be in the running for round one.
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