St Kilda's first outing under Ross Lyon has ended in defeat, with a classy Melbourne outfit recording a 59-point win over the undermanned Saints in a practice match at RSEA Park on Friday night.

The Demons produced an eye-catching performance in front of more than 5,000 people, leading at every change to record a 16.9 (105) to 6.10 (46) victory over four 25-minute quarters. Four more quarters were played afterwards as both sides introduced their VFL players to the action.

With no Max King (shoulder), Jack Hayes (foot) or Tim Membrey (knee), Lyon was forced to spin the magnets, trialling free agent signing Zaine Cordy deep inside 50 in the first half before swapping him with star key defender Dougal Howard after half-time. 

The Saints will be without King for at least the first six weeks of the season while Membrey is facing a race against time for round one after undergoing knee surgery a fortnight ago.

Jade Gresham got through his first appearance since undergoing a posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in July and will be better for the run. Ryan Byrnes staked his claim for a Round 1 spot with a strong effort forward of centre, while Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was one of the Saints' most damaging in a new role off half-back. 

Jack Billings, Seb Ross and Nick Coffield all played minutes in the reserves game following interrupted pre-seasons. 

St Kilda will round out its preparations when it hosts Essendon at RSEA Park next Friday afternoon, while Melbourne hosts Richmond at Casey Fields next Saturday afternoon. 

Young guns

Top-10 pick Mattaes Phillipou took a bit of time to find his feet but produced a strong second-half showing across half-forward that will put him in contention for round one. The South Australian kicked two second-half goals, missed a third and took a couple of big grabs in a first appearance that showed glimpses of his talent. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera provided plenty of drive coming out of the back half, with the Saints looking to release the former first-round pick at every opportunity. Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager both played forward.

Switching positions

With so many issues in attack, Ross Lyon took a look at former Western Bulldogs defender Zaine Cordy inside 50 in the first half, before swapping the 2016 premiership player with Dougal Howard after the main break. Both provided a target without setting the world on fire. Mitch Owens played deep inside 50 after training there across the summer.