ST KILDA will trial a novel, but potentially controversial, pre-match routine as part of the AFL push to improve fans’ game-day experience.

In Thursday night’s NAB Challenge match against Hawthorn, the Saints will delay their entry to the playing arena until moments before the opening siren.

While the Hawks will spend about 10 minutes limbering up on the Etihad Stadium turf before the game, the Saints will tear through the banner accompanied by the club theme song and then run straight to their positions before the captains’ coin toss and the opening bounce.

St Kilda chief executive Matt Finnis said he hoped the initiative would build a crescendo of noise and excitement at the first bounce, and was one of a series of innovations the Saints were looking to introduce this season, including fan kick-to-kick sessions after Sunday games.

media_camera The Saints are trialling a new routine, where they will virtually run straight from the race into their positions. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“We are committed to creating a highly-engaging game-day St Kilda experience and if this trial goes well, we will consider rolling out this new pre-match routine at all Etihad Stadium home games to help create some Saints excitement,” Finnis said.

“Naturally, winning games of football is the priority and, importantly, the players and coaching personnel are right behind the work we are doing. They believe the new pre-match routine could provide them with a better lead in to the game and we look forward to seeing how it adds to the game-day experience for both our players and supporters.’’

The Saints will still complete their extended on-field drills 40 minutes before the match, before continuing their preparation in the changing rooms.

But the straight-to-positions routine, common in rugby league and soccer, has not been seen in the AFL.

media_camera Jack Billings is among the Saints on the comeback from a hamstring injury. Picture: Colleen Petch.

It is a brave call for a club that has five players sidelined with hamstring strains. The move also will be closely scrutinised by the AFL, which will not tolerate any delays to the starting time.

Finnis said the initiative had to be given the tick by the club’s football department as well as the AFL.

“We’re also working hard behind-the-scenes to secure the chance for our fans to engage in kick-to-kick after our home games — particularly on Sundays when kids are admitted free of charge this season,’’ Finnis said, adding the club hoped to have it in place for the Round 1 Easter Sunday game against GWS.

“We pride ourselves on being the `people’s club’ and are determined to reconnect with our supporters by being open and inclusive and bringing our club to them in fresh and exciting ways — this trial is simply part of that promise.”

The AFL will also trial several initiatives of its own tonight, including a 15-second shot clock, a countdown clock in the quarter breaks, and scoreboard replays complete with explanations of score reviews and contentious free kicks.

St Kilda, which will be without three members of its leadership group including skipper Nick Riewoldt tonight, will be captained by Leigh Montagna.

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