St Kilda will welcome back a wealth of experience in Sunday’s NAB Challenge encounter against Brisbane, with Captain Nick Riewoldt, 2015 Trevor Barker Award runner-up David Armitage, Leigh Montagna, Jarryn Geary and Sam Fisher all set for their first match of the pre-season.

After fielding a youthful side against North Melbourne a fortnight ago in Wangaratta, the Saints’ 2016 preparations will take a step forward against the Lions in Mackay ahead of the season opener on Easter Sunday.

As part of the Saints’ commitment to developing their own personnel, Senior Assistant Coach Adam Kingsley will step into the coaching hot seat, following the same path the club took with Head of Coaching & Development Danny Sexton in the first NAB Challenge clash.

Aside from Paddy McCartin, who is missing due to the minor hamstring strain he sustained against the Kangaroos, the Saints boast a strong forward setup led by Josh Bruce, Riewoldt and another returning forward in Tim Membrey, who makes his first appearance of the pre-season after overcoming post-season shoulder surgery.

Rebounding defenders Dylan Roberton (ankle) and Nathan Wright (finger) are the other two players to return from injury after overcoming their minor setbacks.

In the ruck department, the Saints are sending two specialist ruckmen to the sunshine state with Tom Hickey and rookie Jason Holmes set to face the Lions. With St Kilda eligible to upgrade one rookie to the senior list prior to Round 1, American Holmes earns another opportunity to mount a case for that spot.

Jack Billings, Jack Steven and Sam Gilbert all played the first-half against North Melbourne before being rested for the second-half as part of their management ahead of the premiership season. All three have been named to travel to Mackay.

First-round draft pick Jade Gresham won’t make the trip to far north Queensland with the Saints electing to manage his workload. The teenage midfielder impressed against the Kangaroos, as he has during his maiden pre-season, but will return in the Saints’ final hit-out ahead of Round 1.

“He was pretty good against the Kangas last week too in our first NAB game. He won’t play this week because he’ll be rested – we’re monitoring his workload from a first-year player point of view. But expect to see him back in NAB 3 and really pushing strongly for Round 1,” Kingsley told Five AA during the week.

“He’s been very impressive over the pre-season. He’s only a small guy, but jeez his agility and his ability to move and change direction is first class. He’s embarrassed a few at training with his ability.”

NAB Challenge 2
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions
Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay – 3:40pm


1. Tom Hickey, 3. Jack Steven, 4. Eli Templeton, 5. Shane Savage, 6. Seb Ross, 7. Luke Dunstan, 8. Blake Acres, 9. Tom Lee, 11. Leigh Montagna, 12. Nick Riewoldt, 13. Jack Lonie, 14. Jarryn Geary, 15. Jack Billings, 16. Jack Newnes, 17. Dylan Roberton, 19. Sam Gilbert, 20. David Armitage, 21. Luke Delaney, 24. Sean Dempster, 25. Sam Fisher, 26. Tom Curren, 27. Josh Bruce, 28. Tim Membrey, 29. Jimmy Webster, 34. Nathan Wright, 35. Josh Saunders, 39. Cameron Shenton, 44. Maverick Weller, 45. Jason Holmes