A trio of talls will make its return to senior football in Jake Carlisle, Tom Hickey and Rowan Marshall, while youngsters Ed Phillips and Jack Lonie have also earned the call-up to face the Blues.

Alan Richardson and his selection committee have rung the changes as the Saints gear up for their first Friday night game for the year.

Jake Carlisle has recovered fully from the lung complication that saw him sidelined for the hit-out against Port Adelaide, and his inclusion should have a telling influence for the Saints.

The 26-year-old has become somewhat of a cult hero among the red, white and black faithful, and his ability to intercept mark and set up the Saints from the back could prove the difference on Friday night.

READ: Through Jake's eyes

Tom Hickey comes into the side after a stellar fortnight in the VFL, in which he racked up 61 disposals, 12 tackles and simply dominated both in the air and on the deck.

The Blues’ Matthew Kreuzer is also renowned for his ability at ground level, and Hickey’s senior recall should go a long way to negating Kreuzer’s influence around the ground.

Rowan Marshall also comes back into the side after a string of strong showings for Sandringham, booting three goals and taking eight marks in a near best-afield performance last Saturday.

Youngster Ed Phillips has earned a senior recall, and the athletic wingman will be desperate to prove his worth on the wing and use his elite endurance to get back and support his teammates in defence.

Ed Phillips has averaged over 20 touches per game for the Saints this year.

Jack Lonie’s positioning was singled out by ex-Saint Aaron Hamill and likened to the roving nous of St Kilda legend Stephen Milne, and the enthusiastic goal sneak will hope to replicate that form at the highest level.

WATCH: Injury Report

Paddy McCartin, Logan Austin and Nathan Wright will all miss through injury, the latter experiencing knee soreness at training that will sideline him for one-two weeks, while Billy Longer and Darragh Joyce have both been omitted.

IN: Jake Carlisle, Tom Hickey, Rowan Marshall, Ed Phillips, Jack Lonie
OUT: Paddy McCartin, Logan Austin, Nathan Wright (all injured), Billy Longer, Darragh Joyce (both omitted)