Friday's match simulation against Melbourne at RSEA Park will be the first look at the Saints under Ross Lyon.

Keep your eyes peeled for a few things...

1. How does the team look under Ross?

Ross Lyon and his assistants have preached two words since pre-season commenced in November – fast footy.

Taking calculated risks with ball in hand has been encouraged over the summer months, as the squad looks to take advantage of recent rule changes and play with dare.

Bradley Hill’s move back to a wing and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s shift to half-back alongside All-Australian Jack Sinclair should open avenues to move the ball freely and grant opportunities to a fleet-footed forward line.

2. What will we see from the new faces?

The coaches’ box isn’t the only place to find fresh faces on Friday, as a bevy of Saints make their first appearances in red, white and black.

In a recent Channel 7 interview, Ross Lyon mentioned first round draftee Mattaes Phillipou as a player who’s impressed this pre-season. The 18-year-old is expected to spend time forward and higher up the ground as he acclimatises to the elite level.

Fellow draftee James Van Es has also put together a strong pre-season. The 197cm, 98kg defender is built beyond his years and has been competing well with the mature bodies of his more experienced teammates.

Recent additions Liam Stocker and Anthony Caminiti are also set for their first run since earning contracts via the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period. Stocker’s ball use on either side off half-back has been a highlight of recent sessions, while Caminiti has displayed strong aerial ability as a forward target.

3. Who calls the shots?

Another theme of the Saints’ preparations has been the collaborative approach taken in Lyon’s second spell at the club.

Assistants Robert Harvey, Lenny Hayes and Corey Enright have been trusted to run a large chunk of training and drive the new-look playing style, allowing Lyon to oversee the program with a considered lens.

Expect a range of coaches to lead communication during the breaks.

4. Who earns a spot in the spine?

With Max King and Jack Hayes sidelined, all eyes will be on who fills the key posts at either end of the ground to start the season.

Cooper Sharman, Mitch Owens and Anthony Caminiti will hope to press their claims as tall targets ahead of the footy, while the roles of Zaine Cordy, Dougal Howard and Josh Battle is another close watch.

The latter trio have each made their mark as reliable defenders but also bring experience in the front half, allowing the coaching group the flexibility to flip magnets.

Catch all the action from 4pm Friday live on Kayo or in-person with FREE entry at RSEA Park.