The biggest week of St Kilda's calendar is finally upon us.

Get the latest from Ross Lyon as he and the Saints prepare for Round 3 at the 'G in celebration of the club's 150th year.

1. Ross the Boss, meet the Sultan of Swing

Last week it was Bevo* crashing his press conference, but Ross Lyon was treated to a special surprise this morning with the Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram swinging by RSEA Park ahead of the Saints' 150th Year Anniversary Game at the 'G.

Another famous cricketer to barrack for the red, white and black, Akram adopted the tricolours after marrying his wife Shaniera, whose family are as passionate as they come for all things St Kilda. Akram fondly recalls how when he asked his father-in-law for permission to marry Shaniera, his only condition was that he support the Saints.

The 104-Test star last visited St Kilda in early 2020, donating several signed cricket items which were auctioned off for the Saints Bushfire Appeal.

*May have been Bevo.

Ross says...: (When meeting Wasim Akram). "Oh my God, Wasim Akram! The Sultan of Swing! How are you? You started reverse swing, you were the first one! I grew up with that. You didn't play World Series Cricket did you? How good! You going to watch the boys train, why wouldn't you?

(To media) "It's great that he's a Saint man, he'll come to his first game this weekend and he's timed it beautifully with the 150th."

2. No distractions amid the celebrations

It's one of the biggest weeks at St Kilda with the 150th Year Anniversary Game at the MCG right around the corner, but it hasn't hampered any of the Saints' preparations as they aim for a 3-0 start to the year.

Saturday night will encompass a wide array of celebrations, ranging from the Hall of Fame event - also held at the MCG prior to the game - to the pre-game celebrations which will feature multiple past players and musical entertainment from Dan Sultan, Alex Lahey and the Melbourne Gospel Choir.

The Saints are gunning hard for a record home-and-away crowd to cap off the occasion, with its highest tally at the venue sitting at 67,893 which was set in Round 5, 1990 against Collingwood.

Ross says...: "There's a big bill, but ultimately as a coach and a playing group we can't get caught up in that. We do want to get the message out to all members and fans to get along. 150 years, it's sort of hard to comprehend isn't it, but we plan on being here in the next 150 years and have some flags in that time. I think the journey means different things to different people, everyone has their own experience, but generally it's about bringing families together and bonding."

3. No contract, no worries 

It's only Round 3, but already the contract rumour mill is in full swing.

Lyon was unfazed by reports that midfielder Jade Gresham, who will qualify as a restricted free agent by season's end, will wait until later in the season to discuss his next contract.

Gresham has kicked four goals from his two appearances this season following a series of back, Achilles and knee injuries that have limited his time on-field for the past three seasons.

Ross says...: "Is he (putting off his contract talks)? So he should. I don't deal with contracts, why would you? Just back yourself to deliver, that's fine. Everyone's important, every player on the list is important to be truthful. All I'm seeing is all of our players commit and train hard... ultimately the way you get good contracts is you play great footy, that's all I know."

4. Young forwards up to the task

Who ever would have thought that two debutants and a second-year Saint would be the hottest talking points of St Kilda's attack in 2023.

Mattaes Phillipou, Anthony Caminiti and Mitch Owens again impressed in St Kilda's win over the Western Bulldogs last Saturday, jagging a combined eight goals as the Saints ran out 51-point victors.

Meanwhile, Max King is eyeing a return from his injury closer to Round 9, while Tim Membrey is "making ground" as he builds back up following knee surgery in the pre-season.

Ross says...: "You know what's great, we're coaching the ones in front of us. Who knew? Caminiti, Phillipou, Owens, they had seven games between them when the ball bounced in Round 1. But the experience around them, I've got to really acknowledge Butler, Cordy, Higgins and Hill how they've helped them stand up. They're a young group, they'll have their ups and downs but we'll continue to support them."