Jack Billings and Zak Jones have cracked into the starting line-up for the first time this season to take on Melbourne, while Zaine Cordy has also been recalled after last featuring at senior level in Round 7.

Billings and Jones have battled respective long-term injuries in their roads back to the big-time, with Billings fracturing his leg during the pre-season before a hamstring strain in May halted his run, while Jones has been dealt separate Achilles and quad injuries prior to his comeback.

Bradley Hill has been ruled out of Round 17 after failing a fitness test this morning, however is expected to be available for next week's match against Gold Coast. Similarly, re-signed small forward Jack Higgins will miss this week as part of ongoing management of a knee complaint, which is expected to only see him miss one week.

Ryan Byrnes (omitted) and Josh Battle (concussion) have also exited the team, while last week's substitute Cooper Sharman has been included in the starting line-up.

Byrnes, Hunter Clark, Tom Campbell and Jack Peris have been selected as emergencies, with the substitute for Round 17 to be confirmed an hour before the bounce.

St Kilda and Melbourne will go toe-to-toe at Marvel Stadium on Saturday 8 July, kicking off at 7:25pm AEST.

Round 17

St Kilda v Melbourne
Saturday 8 July
7:25pm AEST, Marvel Stadium
Broadcast live on Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Official Live App

IN: Billings, Cordy, Jones
OUT: Battle (concussion), Byrnes (omitted), Higgins (injured), Hill (injured)

Last week's substitute: Cooper Sharman replaced Josh Battle in the second quarter.