ST KILDA will field three debutants for the first time in six seasons on Saturday night, with Jack Billings, Luke Dunstan and elevated rookie Eli Templeton all named to play their first AFL game.

Not since round 13, 2008 have the Saints handed debuts to three players in the same match, and not since Austinn Jones, Steven Sziller and Darryl Wakelin debuted in 1995 has this occurred in the opening round of a season.

Dunstan’s inclusion for St Kilda’s clash with Melbourne has looked all but certain for a number of weeks now following stellar pre-season form, while Templeton’s elevation to the senior list in place of Lewis Pierce earlier this week paved the way for the Tasmanian’s selection.

Billings, despite his enormous potential, endured a slight quad injury over the summer and forced his way into contention courtesy of an excellent showing in the VFL last weekend.

Dunstan and Billings were both first-round selections in the 2013 National Draft, while Templeton was selected at No.3 in the rookie draft six days later.

Also debuting in the red, white and black is former Hawk winger Shane Savage. The 23-year-old booted 37 goals in 56 games for the Hawks and played a valuable role throughout the NAB Challenge.

Savage arrived at Linen House Centre in the trade period following a deal which involved Ben McEvoy heading to Hawthorn.