ST KILDA will welcome back Sam Gilbert, Luke Dunstan and Tim Membrey for this Sunday’s round 11 clash against Melbourne.

The trio have experienced varied paths back into the senior team, with Gilbert overcoming a long-standing foot injury and minor adductor strain to be selected for his first match since round 22 last year.

"It has certainly been a challenging period for Gilbo," Alan Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.

"He’s worked incredibly hard in his rehab. He has had a couple of strong performances at VFL level. He adds experience and talent to our team and we are delighted that he gets an opportunity."

Dunstan was rested for St Kilda’s round 10 game against Hawthorn, but returns to the team for his 26th AFL match.

The 20-year-old debuted against Melbourne in round one last year, and in the absence of Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna, collected 21 disposals to earn a Rising Star nomination in the victory.

"We missed his ability to win contested footy for us and it’s great to have him back in and play that role," Richardson said.

"To be an inside mid and get the ball going our way from clearance is something he is very good at."

Match day info: Round 11

Meanwhile, Membrey has been selected in the forward-pocket following three impressive performances for Sandringham.

"Tim will play forward," Richardson said.

"He comes in as a versatile forward. He puts on good pressure and can play as a tall deep or higher up the ground. We are comfortable and confident that he will play a significant role for us."

The 21-year-old has booted four goals in six games since arriving from Sydney last November, and replaces Tom Hickey in the side this week.

Hickey’s absence means Josh Bruce will again shoulder some of the ruck work in support of vastly improving big man Billy Longer.

Jack Sinclair and Adam Schneider – due to AFL list regulations – have returned to the rookie list with Arryn Siposs and Daniel Markworth set to line up for Sandringham on Saturday against Port Melbourne.

Daniel McKenzie, Maverick Weller and the uncapped Hugh Goddard have been named on the extended bench that will be cut to four on Friday afternoon.  

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B:       Gilbert            Dempster         Geary

HB:     Newnes          Delaney           Webster

C:        Acres             Armitage          Montagna

HF:      Ross              Riewoldt          Billings

F:        Membrey       Bruce              Lonie

FOLL:  Longer          Dunstan         Steven

I/C FROM: Savage, Roberton, Ray, Goddard, McKenzie, Shenton, Weller

IN: Gilbert, Weller, Dunstan, Membrey, McKenzie, Goddard

OUT: Schneider (Omitted), Hickey (Omitted), Sinclair (Omitted)