St Kilda will unveil two of its 2026 recruits this weekend, with draftee Abby Hobson and trade acquisition Sophie Butterworth set to pull on the red, white and black for the first time in the league's AFLW season opener against Carlton this Sunday.

The double injection of fresh talent into the side will be made even more special as the Saints will run out in the club's first-ever AFL and AFLW double-header at Marvel Stadium against Carlton for Spud's Game 6. 

Pick No. 42 in the 2025 AFLW Draft, Hobson was the Saints' third selection in last year's draft class. 

Dubbed a "first-quarter specialist" for her ability to hit the scoreboard early in games, the Gippsland Power product booted 20 goals in 13 matches last season, cementing her status as one of the draft's premier marking forwards.  

After training professionally in tennis until her bottom-age year, Hobson ultimately chose football for her love of the team environment. 

St Kilda's sole acquisition of the 2025 Trade Period, Sophie Butterworth arrived at RSEA Park after two seasons with Hawthorn.  

Selected with Pick No. 45 in the 2023 AFLW Draft, the 181cm emerging youngster made six appearances in the brown and gold, showcasing exciting promise as a dynamic aerial threat with strong marking ability and composed ball use. 

Last featuring in Hawthorn's semi-final loss to Carlton, the 20-year-old has been a welcome addition to Nick Dal Santo's side, bringing athleticism that will bolster the Saints' forward line alongside Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw, Hannah Priest and fellow debutant Abby Hobson. 

"We're so proud to see both Abby and Sophie make their debuts for the club this weekend," St Kilda General Manager AFLW Jessie Mulholland said. 

"We've loved the way they’ve applied themselves since walking through the doors at RSEA Park. They've worked hard to earn this opportunity, embraced everything that's been asked of them and we're excited to see what they can bring to the team this weekend.  

“It will be an extra special occasion for Abby to make her AFLW debut at Marvel Stadium, and we're excited to welcome both of their families on Sunday." 

The league's AFLW season opener between St Kilda and Carlton begins at 4.35pm, before the AFL clash at 7.20pm, bringing the football community together across both competitions for one shared cause. 

Before the start of the men's game, St Kilda and Carlton's AFL and AFLW teams will come together arm in arm at the centre of Marvel Stadium for the Two Minute Moment, with around 40,000 fans invited to illuminate the stadium as part of the Light Up the Dark campaign.  

The stadium-wide light show will serve as a powerful symbol of this year's campaign theme, Better Together, while raising vital funds for the Danny Frawley Community, part of the Black Dog Institute. 

Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 7.10pm, with instructions on how to participate in the light show available via QR codes throughout the stadium before the moment begins. 

Tickets to Spud's Game start from just $27, allowing access to both matches. Click here to secure yours!