It will have been 84 days between Round 1 and Round 2, but the Saints are ready to make an impact this Sunday afternoon against the Western Bulldogs.

And with the red, white and black close to "cherry-ripe" according to Brett Ratten, there are plenty of Saints banging down the door for selection.

Jonathon Marsh

At his explosive best, Jonathon Marsh can give the Saints their spark.

Incredibly strong and able to turn on the jets in a heartbeat, the 24-year-old could be deployed as another key target up forward to give support to Tim Membrey and Max King.

Marsh was tried at both ends of the ground during his time at Sandringham, but appears to have found his niche up forward in St Kilda colours.

Brett Ratten has been impressed with the West Australian throughout the pre-season, which has subsequently seen him bolt up the pecking order.

Either as a conduit lead-up forward, a big body at the contest or a burst player to get the game back on the Saints’ terms, there are plenty of reasons to have Marsh squeeze into this week’s best 22.

Nick Coffield

With a clean bill of health, a raft of new recruits and a revamped Ben Long delivering the goods down back, finding room in the back six is tough.

But Nick Coffield has made a pressing case this pre-season to join the senior defensive ranks.

The 20-year-old was a selected as an emergency for the Round 1 clash with North Melbourne but was left out of the final side in favour of a more experienced backline.

Now, coming up against a younger Bulldogs brigade, Coffield could be the perfect fit to match their speed and energy.

And with Aaron Naughton and former Saint Josh Bruce spearheading the Dogs’ attack, some defensive height and precise outlet kicking could just be what the Saints need to get the four points.

Josh Battle

The Saints’ newest swingman Josh Battle could provide the ultimate flexibility ahead of Round 2.

While his best position has been debated among fans, what’s indisputable is his clinical kicking, reading of the play and clean set of hands.

They could all prove vital assets come Sunday, with the Bulldogs also hunting their first win in 2020.

With shortened quarters and consequently heightened match intensity, Battle's ability to change ends seamlessly could be a valuable asset in Brett Ratten’s arsenal.

In contention...

The Saints are close to injury-free heading into the season restart, giving Brett Ratten a wealth of options at the selection table.

Nicholas Hind and Jack Sinclair have both impressed in training and will be looking to make their first senior appearances in 2020 this Sunday.

Veteran defenders Nathan Brown and Shane Savage are also in line for selection, while rehabilitated Saints Jake Carlisle and Jimmy Webster will also be available.

Ryan Abbott could also be brought in for his first game in new colours to give the Saints some added height and mobility.

Round 1 line-up

NEW: King, Hill, Howard, Ryder, Butler, Jones