At a glance:

  • St Kilda will take another step closer to debuting its full-strength side in this Sunday.
  • The Saints will face Collingwood at Morwell Recreation Reserve as part of the Marsh Community Series.
  • Skipper Jarryn Geary, Dylan Roberton and the Saints' five big-name recruits are in the selection frame.

St Kilda will take another step closer to debuting its full-strength side ahead of Sunday’s Marsh Community Series game in Morwell against Collingwood.

Senior coach Brett Ratten is bullish about naming the strongest side possible and getting the right game-time into the right players as Round 1 closes in.

But with a fit and healthy list, no Saint has been ruled out of Sunday’s encounter.

There’s a strong a chance St Kilda’s five big-name recruits – Bradley Hill, Dougal Howard, Paddy Ryder, Zak Jones and Dan Butler – will all feature together for the first time, with the forward line spearheaded by emerging prospect Max King.

Bradley Hill runs back with the flight. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

Hill, along with fellow State of Origin representative Jade Gresham, could be rested depending on how they pull up during the week.

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Tim Membrey, Jack Billings and Rowan Marshall will all make their returns to the tricolours after being managed in last week’s Emergency Services Practice Match against Hawthorn. 

Rowan Marshall is set for a return this week against the Magpies. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

Midfielder Dan Hannebery is a likely starter for Sunday’s match after performing strongly in the Saints’ scratch match three weeks ago.

After successful returns last week against the Hawks, skipper Jarryn Geary and Dylan Roberton are set for another hit-out on the eve of Round 1.

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Skipper Jarryn Geary is on track for another appearance in the red, white and black. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

Jimmy Webster, Shane Savage and Nathan Brown are likely to be in the selection frame after solid outings of their own, while Ryan Abbott has emerged as a possible inclusion after impressing in Morwell.

Young trio Jack Bytel, Ben Paton and Nick Coffield could also get the go-ahead after noteworthy performances last week.

The backline is set for a squeeze with Jake Carlisle, Callum Wilkie and Ben Long waiting in the wings, while a stacked midfield could see some magnets moved.

Ben Long has starred in his new role at half-back this pre-season. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

Last year’s breakout players in Hunter Clark, Jack Steele and Josh Battle are also in contention to face the Magpies.

Saints not selected in Sunday’s Marsh Community Series match will face Collingwood's VFL side in a practice game, alongside a handful of Sandringham Zebras.

St Kilda will head down the highway to Morwell Recreation Reserve for the second time in as many weeks, meeting Collingwood on Sunday 8 March at 3:50pm.