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JACK Lonie and Jack Sinclair will make their AFL debuts on Sunday after being named in St Kilda’s 22-man squad tonight.

Lonie (18) was selected with pick 41 in the 2014 National Draft, while Sinclair (20) was the selection number on in December’s Rookie Draft.  

The two players have enjoyed excellent pre-seasons and deserve an opportunity, according to Richardson.

“We’re really pleased with the way both have conducted themselves since they arrived at the club,” Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.

“Jack Lonie will play as a forward and spend some time in the midfield.

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“He has got really good endurance and speed qualities, he likes to defend and he’s very creative with the footy. He finds the ball, kicks it to his teammates. Jack is a very clever player. He also kicks goals. All these are pretty important qualities for small forwards.”

BEHIND THE GUERNSEY: Jack Lonie

Sinclair was elevated to the senior list on Thursday afternoon after impressing in NAB 3 against Hawthorn.  

“There is a bit of the Eli Templeton about Jack in regards to his rise off the rookie list and into the round one team,” Richardson said.

“He is a little bit older and has a bit more experience under his belt. He’s ready to play AFL footy from a running point of view and he’s been impressive in the NAB Challenge.  In the contest he wins his own ball so he’s ready.”

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Sinclair and Lonie’s inclusion means St Kilda will have introduced 12 new players to the team since round one last year, further highlighting the regeneration that is taking place at the club.

BEHIND THE GUERNSEY: Jack Sinclair

Meanwhile, Nick Riewoldt will take his place in the team after confirming his availability on Friday.

St Kilda's two most experienced players will line up for the Saints this week.

Joining the 280-game veteran in the side is Leigh Montagna, whose knee has healed quicker than expected.

Between Riewoldt and Montagna, St Kilda has gained 512 games of AFL experience for Sunday's clash.

“It’s great to have our leaders out there. We’re not blessed with the experience of other teams and it will be great to have them out there,” Richardson said.

“Joey’s quick recovery has surprised us really. We were planning to not have him until at least round two but he loves his footy club and loves playing footy.”

“You could tell in the way that he trained when he was jogging just two days after the surgery that he wanted to be ready for round one and he’s got there… it is great for us and great for him.”

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Fellow veteran Adam Schneider has also been named after his rookie elevation was ticked off by the AFL on Thursday.

Billy Longer will be St Kilda’s solitary specialist ruckman against the Giants after Tom Hickey was named as an emergency.

Tom Curren and Tom Lee are the other two emergencies.  

New: J.Lonie () , J.Sinclair ()