Jack Steven and Billy Longer have booked their spot in Saturday’s Round 1 encounter with the Lions.
The duo impressed in a willing training session on Thursday as the Saints finalised their squad ahead of the season opener at Etihad Stadium.
Longer (hip flexor) and Steven (ankle) showed no signs of the minor injuries incurred during the JLT Community Series, giving Alan Richardson almost a full squad to choose from.
Only Darren Minchington (knee) and Nathan Freeman (hamstring) remain absent from the main group, ensuring there were plenty of tough decisions at the selection table.
As reported earlier this week, young gun Hunter Clark will make his debut against the Lions after an eye-catching pre-season campaign.
Get to know Hunter Clark
The 18-year-old is likely to start forward alongside classy duo Jack Billings and Jade Gresham who are also tipped for midfield minutes.
In a significant boost, Paddy McCartin and Dave Armitage will both return to the action after missing a large chunk of the 2017 seaosn.
McCartin joins fellow big man Josh Bruce and the versatile Tim Membrey in a formidable set-up, while Ben Long gets his chance at their feet.
Long played four matches in the red, white and black last year, showing glimpses of his sublime skills.
Armitage’s inclusion bolsters a strong midfield led by Seb Ross and Steven, and ably supported by Jack Steel, Jack Sinclair, Jack Newnes and Blake Acres.
Coffield was squeezed out of the line-up with the Saints at full strength down back, boasting an experienced and settled unit led by skipper Jarryn Geary, Dylan Roberton and marking machine Jake Carlisle.
B: Jarryn Geary, Nathan Brown, Dylan Roberton
HB: Jimmy Webster, Jake Carlisle, Shane Savage
C: Hunter Clark, David Armitage, Jack Newnes
HF: Ben Long, Paddy McCartin, Jack Billings
F: Jade Gresham, Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey
FOL: Billy Longer, Sebastian Ross, Jack Steven
I/C: Jack Steele, Blake Acres, Koby Stevens, Jack Sinclair
EMG: Sam Gilbert, Nick Coffield, Rowan Marshall, Maverick Weller
Get your halo on for 2018
