In:Jason Blake, James Gwilt, Jack Newnes, Brodie Murdoch, Darren Minchington
Out: Tom Simpkin (Leg), Rhys Stanley (Shoulder), Arryn Siposs (Shoulder), Ahmed Saad (Leg), Sam Dunell (Omitted)
[ MORE: View full team and preview ]
St Kilda has made five changes ahead of its game against Hawthorn on Friday night. Highly skilled half-forward Darren Minchington will become the Saints' eighth debutant for the season, while James Blake, James Gwilt, Jack Newnes and Brodie Murdoch round out the five inclusions.
Minchington was taken with pick 65 in the 2012 AFL Rookie Draft and has been in impressive form in recent weeks for the Sandringham Zebras.
The 19-year-old was elevated to the senior list this week after a spate of season ending injuries.
Read more on Minchington's Rookie elevation
Experienced defenders Blake and Gwilt will add some experience to an otherwise youthful backline on Friday night. Blake has been in excellent form at VFL level, collecting 23 disposals last Saturday in the Zebras' loss to Essendon. The 215-game veteran hasn't played for St Kilda since its round three loss to Richmond.
Meanwhile, Gwilt will return to the senior fold after a week on the sidelines with a knee complaint. The left-footer has been one of St Kilda's most reliable defenders in 2013, often playing above his height division and competing admirably.
Young-guns Murdoch and Newnes had the weekend off last week with illness, but have trained well all week and shape as important link-up players on Friday evening.
You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32
