Ross Lyon has the rare gift of turning weekly press conferences into a must-watch.

The Boss fronted the media today at RSEA Park ahead of the Saints' Round 1 clash with the Dockers on Sunday at Marvel Stadium.

Here's what we learned.

Young Saints 'come from the clouds'

Mattaes Philliipou and Anthony Caminiti have been all the rage in Moorabbin over recent weeks, with both chances to make their AFL debuts in Round 1.

Both teenagers have played as forward targets and hit the scoreboard across the pre-season, stepping up in the absence of injured teammates.

"We're likely to have Phillipou and Caminiti as debutants," Lyon said.

"They need to get through today's session and Friday, and then hopefully they get over the line. It's looking likely and that's exciting."

Sticking to the process

Lyon and his coaching group are under no illusions of the challenges ahead for the Saints.

'Ross 3.0' is keen to use his first year back at the helm gaining a deep understanding of the entire club in order to develop a sustainable winning culture.

"It's a year of exploration," Lyon said.

"Our coaches really believe in the mechanics of our game plan. We're on the right path but we know there will be some moments that will challenge us...Corey Enright said to me, 'whatever happens, we need to keep focused and stay the course'."

Faith in the forwards

Max King's absence could have a silver lining after all, as the next wave of Saints stake their claim as forward-50 threats.

Ross is excited about giving the opportunity in front of goal to the likes of Mitch Owens and says it could set the team up for future success.

"No rabbits in the hat, it'll be basically what you've seen," Lyon said.

"(Mitch) Owens kicked three against Essendon and our small forwards are really dangerous - (Jack) Higgins kicked three and Butler's there. Phillipou's been having shots on goal and then Caminiti's come from the clouds, hasn't he?"

"It's exciting. If you're Max King and you're looking at Caminiti who's 196cm, powerful, quick, and you've got Owens - you're thinking, 'gee wiz, we could build something here'."

Don't rule out Windy

Saints fans winced at the sight of young gun Marcus Windhager (hand) leaving the field in the early stages of St Kilda's practice match.

But the second-year midfielder could still feature in the Saints' Round 1 plans if he proves his fitness in Friday's training session.

"It hasn't been ideal preparation for a young player but he's done every bit of pre-season," Lyon said.

"He'll do a fair bit today and train fully on Friday to put himself up for selection."

Ross-isms are back

Ross's famous 'Ross-isms' are back and we couldn't be happier.