1. Change of fortune for smooth mover?

Hunter Clark is hoping his torrid run of injury luck is behind him as he enjoys a clean bill of health this pre-season.

The versatile Saint says he’s gained plenty of confidence learning under new midfield coach Lenny Hayes and achieving continuity with his training.

At just 23 years of age, Clark’s best years are well ahead of him.

2. Buying in

A revamped football program means fresh recipes to attack the new year.

And according to Jack Steele, the playing group is fully bought in to what Ross Lyon and his assistants are cooking up for 2023.

A focus on high training standards and a demanding running regimen have put the Saints in good stead to compete over the course the season, which now requires teams to fight out 23 games in the home-and-away season.

The star midfielder believes the competition for spots under a fresh set of eyes is driving players young and old to impress on the track.

3. Forward spot up for grabs

Mitch Owens is the latest youngster to put his hand up as a forward-50 target in the absence of Max King and Jack Hayes.

The second-year talent has predominantly plied his trade as a tall midfielder but has been training as a forward under line coach Robert Harvey across January.

Cooper Sharman has also presented as an aerial option for the Saints as he continues to develop his contest work.

4. Poetry in motion

Mattaes and Windy is a beautiful thing.

5. SOS returns to the Saints

Stephen Silvagni is back in red, white and black after 13 years, signing on as List Manager for the season ahead.

The dual premiership player, five-time All Australian and AFL Hall of Fame inductee is no stranger to the Saints having previously held an assistant coaching role with the club alongside Ross Lyon from 2007 to 2010.

Silvagni will support new Head of Talent and Acquisition Graeme Allan and the wider list management team with player acquisition, retention, contracting and overall list strategy, working closely with St Kilda’s National Recruiting Manager, Chris Toce, and Recruitment Assistant, Jarryd Roughead.

Allan and Silvagni will officially commence in their roles on 15 February.

6. Vibes up to start the week

The looming return of footy wasn’t the only reason to smile this week, as a pair of Saints provided extra cause for celebration at RSEA Park on Monday.

Locker room congratulations were in order for Jack Billings, who got engaged with partner Sarah over the weekend.

It was also a special day for Liam Stocker, capping off a whirlwind week by celebrating his 23^rd birthday.

It didn’t take long for the new Saint to endear himself to track watchers, noting his tenacity and voice as standouts in his first week as a contracted player.