More than 1,500 St Kilda supporters braved sweltering hot conditions at Linen House Centre on Saturday morning to watch the Saints in the annual intra-club practice match.

The mercury rose to over the 36 degrees but it didn’t stop the Saints from putting on a show with fans treated to a great performance from new recruits, including St Kilda’s first draft pick Jack Billings.

“It was a good to see so many supporters out there cheering us on, especially so early in the year and being so hot it was great to see,” Billings said.

“It’s so good for the players especially because it really drives the players on the field.”

The players modelled their new-look NAB Challenge guernsey which features the return of the stickman.

Fan favourites Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes, Sam Gilbert, Jimmy Gwilt and Adam Schneider were rested, along with young guns Spencer White and Tom Lee.

The Saints are gearing up for their first proper hit-out against the Western Bulldogs at Simonds Stadium on February 19.