A hint of blue was added to St Kilda’s colour scheme in Sunday afternoon’s scratch match after the Saints and North Melbourne joined forces to take on Brisbane.

The combined outfits allowed for the first 18v18 hit-out of the season, but together – despite bookending the game with positive performances – still weren’t enough to bring down the seasoned Lions brigade.

Ryan Abbott was best-on-ground for the Saints with another strong showing in the ruck and at ground-level, while Ryan Byrnes relished the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Brisbane’s bigger-bodied midfield once again.

Abbott added to his impressive outing with two majors after being swung up forward, but it was Shane Savage who jagged goal of the day after running the length of the field to put through his first of the year.

The veteran defender fought hard all day, providing leadership and plenty of run and drive off half-back alongside North’s Jared Polec.

Both are currently hunting for a return to their respective senior line-ups.

Development Manager Ben McGlynn said the opportunity to play a full scratch match against quality opposition was beneficial for the squad, particularly after taking part in numerous hybrid matches over the previous weeks.

“It was a bit of a unique day joining with North,” McGlynn told saints.com.au.

“The boys finished the game better than they started, but there were a few challenges there playing with an opposition against another one.”

“That’s to be expected, but they really embraced it and tried to go about it as best they could and get around the North guys.”

The Saints/Roos and Lions were all tied up at quarter-time, before the experienced Brisbane muscled their way on top in the second term.

It was only after the main break that the joint offensive began to click, booting five goals in the final quarter to round out the affair.

St Kilda’s next scratch match opponent will be determined in the coming days.