The race for spots in Alan Richardson’s Round 1 line-up has begun.

The Saints will take a strong side in to JLT 1, while unveiling three new faces and letting the young guns loose.

Prodigious talent Hunter Clark will start in the midfield, capping off a stellar pre-season for the second-year Saint.

Meanwhile, newfound backman Josh Battle will be charged with holding down a key defensive posting at half-back alongside returning star Dylan Roberton.

READ: Ross: Young guns ready to fire

Battle’s locker-mate in Dean Kent has also found his new home at half forward, while the big three will be reunited up front when Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey and Paddy McCartin take to the field together again.

Lewis Pierce has been rewarded with the No. 1 ruck spot, while mature-age speedsters Matty Parker and Nick Hind will have their chance to mount cases for a Round 1 berth.

AFLX stars Jade Gresham, Jack Billings and Jack Steele are among a host of the Saints’ best suiting up for the clash.

Despite dominating Thursday’s training session, Ben Long was given another week before a date with the Bulldogs in JLT 2.

Backman Daniel McKenzie will return to full training after missing the past two weeks with a bruised heel and wasn’t considered, while Blake Acres is being rested after experiencing back tightness during last week’s intra-club.

READ: Injury Update: Jake Carlisle

Dan Hannebery and Billy Longer continue to build their conditioning as they push to re-join main training within weeks.

Jake Carlisle, Max King and Jack Bytel remain in the rehab group, with an excited King looking to join in training with the main group in a few weeks.

The Saints will head over the bridge to Chirnside Park, Werribee to face North Melbourne at 1.10pm on Saturday afternoon.