Returning defender Jake Carlisle has taken another step towards his St Kilda debut, completing a half in Thursday night's intraclub match at Trevor Barker Oval.
Carlisle last month returned to full training after an off-season restricted by hip surgery and the Saints plan to manage his game time in next week's JLT Community Series clash against Port Adelaide.
The former Essendon backman showed glimpses in Thursday night's trial match, courageously running back with the flight of the ball playing as a key defender alongside ex-Pie Nathan Brown.
"He needs to play some footy and the more footy he plays the better he's going to get," backline coach Rohan Welsh told AFL.com.au.
"The main thing for him was to get through a half and he'll probably play 75 per cent next week against Port Adelaide.
"We'll build him up to play a full game in the second JLT match, and the third."
The star of the Saints' final internal hit-out was Jack Billings, who won a lot of the ball coming off a wing and pushed forward to kick two goals.
One of the club's brightest young prospects, Billings has impressed his coaches this pre-season and his ball-use was a class above over the four quarters.
"He's had a strong pre-season so it was good to see him get a bit of the ball early," Walsh said.
"We thought he was good defensively and that was an area he had to work on."
It was an encouraging match for the Saints young stars, with key forward Paddy McCartin kicking three goals and providing a presence in the air.
First-year forward Josh Battle was the standout tall, however, booting five goals and showcasing his strong hands and reliable set shot.
Midfield recruits Koby Stevens and Jack Steele were both impressive and added hardness to the centre square combinations, while second-year onballer Jade Gresham was polished rotating midfield and forward.
Notable absentees were rested veterans Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna, who are likely to miss the Power clash next Thursday, and midfielder Jack Steven.
Young defender Hugh Goddard was also missing but is close to returning to full training after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.
