St Kilda Assistant Coach Ben McGlynn will coach the Saints in the inaugural AFLX tournament, with Assistant Coach Lindsay Gilbee and Performance Analysis Manager Robbie Chancellor also driving the program.

The Saints will face Essendon and Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium next Friday, before potentially playing a third game if they reach the Grand Final.

Senior Coach Alan Richardson said AFLX presents a great opportunity for McGlynn to not only coach his own side, but to experience everything that comes with preparing for a game.

“Ben was really impressive in his first year at the club and we think this will help his development as a coach,” Richardson told saints.com.au on Friday.

“This is a great opportunity for him to deal with all the things that coaching throws up, from dealing with the players around selection, working with other coaches and players, as well as fronting the media and dealing with success or failure.”

Richardson said preparing for the hybrid version of the game has helped spark the second half of the pre-season, at a time when the monotonous grind can be challenging to deal with.

“AFLX has been really stimulating for our players,” he said.

“Pre-season can become a bit of a grind at this time of year, they are fit and firing and ready to go in many respects, so a fresh challenge like this is great for the players.”