Lock it in.

The Saints will reignite their 2020 Toyota AFL Season against four Victorian foes after Rounds 2-5 were released today. 

Brett Ratten’s new-look side will need to quickly find top gear after the shutdown period with three 2019 finalists waiting in the first three rounds.

After facing the Western Bulldogs in a long awaited Round 2, the Saints will confront two of the flag favourites in Collingwood and Richmond. 

Ratten’s former club Carlton rounds out the initial block of games in Round 5, with further rounds to be released in the coming weeks. 

  • Round 2 – St Kilda v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium, Sunday 14 June at 6.05pm (FOX)
  • Round 3 – Collingwood v St Kilda, MCG, Saturday 20 June at 4.35pm (FOX)
  • Round 4 – St Kilda v Richmond, Marvel Stadium, Saturday 27 June at 4.35pm (FOX)
  • Round 5 – Carlton v St Kilda, MCG, Saturday 4 July at 1.45pm (FOX)

After a two-month hiatus, the Saints can set their sights on casting aside a Round 1 loss to the Kangaroos when they take on the Bulldogs.

The mouthwatering clash will be the final game of a bumper opening weekend that kicks off on Thursday June 11.

The Bulldogs charged home in 2019 to secure a finals berth, with one of their only blemishes late in the season against Ratten’s Saints.

In his first game as caretaker coach, the Saints accounted for the Dogs, thanks largely to four goals apiece from Jack Lonie and Tim Membrey.

READ: 10 stories that will make you proud to be a Saint

Ratten said he welcomed the fixture release and the chance to zero in on some high quality opponents. 

“It’s really important to have a date and an opponent to work towards, and to be playing our first four games in Melbourne is pleasing," Ratten said. 

“Like everyone, we have some important sessions to complete before the season restarts, but we're confident in the work the players have done during the shutdown period.

"We have some high quality opponents first up and we are looking forward to that challenge. In a 17-Round season, every match has added importance and we need to start well."

Ratten said the support from St Kilda fans would remain crucial, despite games being played without crowds in attendance. 

“We know our fans won’t be there to cheer us on in person, but we will carry their support with us," he said. 

“To return to RSEA Park last week knowing thousands of members have pledged their support and donated more than $150,000 to the club is just incredible.”

Despite community restrictions set to ease in Victoria in the coming weeks, RSEA Park will be remain closed to the public as the per the AFL’s protocols.

To ensure the AFL is complying with Government guidelines, players will continue to comply with strict guidelines that minimise contact with the broader community, and clubs training bases will stay off limits to fans and members of the public.

The club has committed to welcoming fans back to their spiritual home with open arms as soon as possible.