While a new look defence is poised to boost the back end of the ground, it’s also dramatically assisting the opposite end this pre-season.

The arrival of Nathan Brown and the return of Jake Carlisle has not only strengthened the Saints' defensive key posts, it’s also helped with the development of key forwards, Josh Bruce and Paddy McCartin.

With Carlisle joining in match simulation this week, McCartin has found himself opposed to the highly-rated centre-half back, while Bruce has reacquainted himself with former opponent, turned teammate, Brown.

St Kilda Assistant Coach Aaron Hamill believes the contests in match simulation are highly beneficial for all players involved, particularly his attacking weapons who have received an opportunity to play on different players this summer.

“Carlisle v McCartin, Brown v Bruce; those sorts of match-ups are certainly helping both the forwards and defenders work on their craft and that’s what we want,” Hamill told saints.com.au on Thursday afternoon.

“We want it to be hard and difficult in training and that’s what it has been and I think everyone’s learning and benefiting from the fresh faces.

“It’s a win-win and we will ramp it up even more over the next month with games approaching.

“That experience coming in has provided 'Brucey' and Paddy with different challenges which will no doubt help their development.”

With pre-season games nearing on the horizon, and the grind of the summer drawing closer to a halt, Hamill is pleased with the progress his line group has made this pre-season but is hungry for them to put more runs on the board before Round 1.

“We’re reasonably happy; you’re never satisfied but we’re definitely making steady progress, we’re heading in the right direction and we’re seeing some really good signs,” Hamill said.

“All of them have had consistent pre-seasons, and all of them are getting the work in which is all you want at this time of year.”