Experienced trio Paddy Ryder, Zak Jones and Seb Ross will return to the senior line-up along with Jack Lonie ahead of Sunday's clash with Essendon.

Ryder and Jones re-join the ranks after being managed last Monday against Geelong, while Ross has fully recovered from his calf issue to reclaim his spot in the midfield.

Sunday’s game will also mark Jones’ 100th game.

The bolstered midfield additions have seen key defender Jake Carlisle and clutch forward Dean Kent rested, while Ed Phillips has been omitted after coming in as a late replacement for the Saints’ past two games.

Emerging midfielder Jade Gresham (injured) is also set for an extended period on the sidelines after scans confirmed stress fractures in his lower back.

Phillips, Daniel McKenzie, Shane Savage and Dylan Roberton have been named as emergencies.

St Kilda square off against Essendon on Sunday 16 August at the Gabba, with the opening bounce set for 3:35pm.

IN: Jones, Lonie, Ryder, Ross
OUT: Carlisle (managed), Gresham (injured), Kent (managed), Phillips (omitted)

B Nick Coffield Callum Wilkie Ben Paton
HB  Ben Long Jarryn Geary Dougal Howard
Jack Billings Zak Jones Bradley Hill
HF  Nicholas Hind Jack Lonie Dan Butler 
Tim Membrey Max King Rowan Marshall
Paddy Ryder Jack Steele Jack Bytel
INT  Hunter Clark Jack Sinclair Josh Battle
  Sebastian Ross    
Ed Phillips Daniel McKenzie Shane Savage
  Dylan Roberton