St Kilda has played out a draw with Richmond in an impressive first hitout ahead of Season 8 at RSEA Park on Friday night.

The Saints looked destined for victory after back-to-back goals from Nicola Stevens and Nicola Xenos put them in front, until a late major from the visitors sealed the 5.5 (35) to 5.5 (35) draw.

All seven of the club’s recruits featured at different stages, with dual All-Australian Jaimee Lambert dominating in midfield before being rested in the second half.

(L-R) St Kilda's recruits Maddie Boyd, Steph Chiocci, Jesse Wardlaw, Natalie Plane, Jaimee Lambert, Serene Watson and Beth Pinchin post-game. (Photo: St Kilda FC)

The former Magpie formed a strong partnership with the returning Tyanna Smith, who impressed with her pressure and speed in her first competitive hitout since suffering a ACL injury at the end of the 2021 season.

The No.6 draft pick set the tone early with a rundown tackle and pinpoint pass to a leading Ella Friend, who converted for the game’s first major.

Tyanna Smith impressed in her first competitive hitout in two years. (Photo: St Kilda FC)

Friend was a constant threat in her new role as a forward, forming a dangerous combination with star recruit Jesse Wardlaw (one goal).

Recruits Serene Watson (Gold Coast), Natalie Plane (Carlton), Beth Pinchin (Southern Saints) and Maddie Boyd (Box Hill) formed a new-look backline, while experienced signing Steph Chiocci (Collingwood) entered the action in the second half.

Plane said there was plenty to like from the Saints' first clash against opposition.

"It was pretty good. We stuck to what we planned to do. We had some good moments and other moments where we made mistakes, but I’m pretty sure we’re going to go well this year.

"I really liked Xenos’ attack on the ball, and Serene’s (Watson) voice down back was unreal, she just directs and demands.

"It was good to see ‘Friendy’ (Friend) get up and take a few marks, and it was good to see Jesse (Wardlaw). I’ve played against her but never played with her, and she’s the (real) deal.”

02:42

'We achieved what we wanted': Plane reviews practice match

Recruit Natalie Plane speaks after the Saints' draw with Richmond in their first practice match ahead of Season 8.

The Saints were without captain Hannah Priest, while Georgia Patrikios and J’Noemi Anderson were also managed.

St Kilda will round out its pre-season campaign against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Friday next week, with the match to be streamed live on saints.com.au and the official club app.

ST KILDA          2.0     2.2     3.4       5.5 (35)
RICHMOND          1.1     1.3     4.5     5.5 (35) 

Goals: Friend, Wardlaw, Richards, Xenos, Stevens

EXPLORE