The ruck department at Linen House Centre is a competitive beast with four genuine options parking their cars at St Kilda’s headquarters every day.

Former pick No. 8 Billy Longer has grasped the No. 1 ruck spot at the Saints during his two seasons at the club, with the ruckman playing 18 games in 2015 after 16 appearances in his first year.

Longer combined with Tom Hickey throughout last season with the pair sharing the ruck duties, as well as time in attack to form a strong partnership.

Hickey, the former Gold Coast Suns ruckman, spent greater time forward in the second half of last season, providing a powerful option inside 50 and another avenue to goal.

American product Jason Holmes defied the odds in the final stages of last season to demonstrate his athletic prowess and his ability at stoppages.

Holmes played the final three games of 2015, appearing far from out of his depth despite the Saints finishing the season off in a disappointing manner.

Young ruckman Lewis Pierce is entering his fourth year at St Kilda and appears to have taken the biggest step in his development over the summer.

Alan Richardson has labelled Pierce as one player who has taken strides during the pre-season and could be closing in on a debut in 2016.