St Kilda star Jack Steven is pressing hard for a Round 1 berth, after spending time away from the club to deal with a mental health issue earlier this month.

The four-time best-and-fairest winner is a likely inclusion given he can pull through Saturday's training session unscathed.

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The Saints will also feature at least two new faces as they look to start 2019 on a high.

Mature-age livewire Matty Parker has earned a spot on the half-forward flank following an eye-catching pre-season and JLT Community Series.

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Ex-Demon Dean Kent has slotted seamlessly into the Saints’ forward setup, and his strong pre-season form has been rewarded with a starting position on the opposite flank.

Fellow newcomers Callum Wilkie and Nick Hind have both been named on the extended bench, which will be reduced to four when the final team is submitted on Friday evening.

Big man Josh Bruce will play his first game for the Saints in 11 months after enduring an injury-ravaged 2018, while Josh Battle will continue his new role in defence alongside Irish fullback Darragh Joyce.

The Saints play host to the Gold Coast Suns at 1.10pm on Sunday at Marvel Stadium.