THREE All-Australians are among St Kilda’s inclusions for this Friday night’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.

Leigh Montagna, Sam Fisher and Sean Dempster will return to the team while Adam Schneider has fought his way back after an injury plagued 2012.

Montagna was named after serving a suspension from the last game of 2012 and will strengthen St Kilda’s engine room.

The four players being replaced are Farren Ray (hip), James Gwilt (knee), Tom Hickey (foot) and Trent Dennis-Lane (omitted).

Gwilt is set to miss three to five weeks after undergoing a minor operation on his knee.

Head coach Scott Watters acknowledged the loss of Gwilt was a setback.

“Losing any quality player is disappointing but this is now a great test of our resilience and our depth. That is the challenge the AFL competition throws at you,” Watters said.

“Rhys Stanley was terrific for us down back last week and Sean Dempster and Sam Fisher are coming back at a critical time. Those players are ready to accept the challenge.”

Schneider’s inclusion is great reward for his hard work, given the competition for places amongst the Saints’ small forwards at the moment. Schneider played eight games last year, and with 195 AFL games will provide valuable experience in the forward half.

“He’s had a really testing 12 months with injury and has fought his way back on the  back of some really strong work.  His composure and footy IQ back are important to our side,” Watters said.

Fisher and Dempster played the bulk of the NAB Cup campaign and will be pivotal to St Kilda’s defensive stocks.

Nathan Wright, Tom Lee and Tom Simpkin have been named as the three emergencies.