A reshuffled St Kilda outfit is on the cards for the opening week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, with last week's "unacceptable" loss to the Western Bulldogs opening the door for the Saints battling it out in reserves.

With no Saint off-limits at the selection table this week, there's a lot to weigh up ahead of Saturday's must-win clash with North Melbourne.

Luke Dunstan

The fruitful start to the VFL season continued for Luke Dunstan last Saturday as he led the Zebras to an impressive win on the road against Aspley.

The 26-year-old collected 28 disposals and booted three goals in another all-round display, with Ratten even bringing up his name as a possible selection candidate post-match against the Dogs.

Dunstan is currently averaging 36 disposals per game and has jagged eight goals from his four outings in Sandringham colours.

The No. 7 last appeared in St Kilda colours almost six weeks ago against Richmond, coming in as a late replacement for Zak Jones.

Nick Coffield

After a two-week stint at VFL level, Nick Coffield could return to the side to shore up the Saints' defensive stocks.

The No. 1 was solid down back against Aspley's forward line, collecting 14 disposals and five rebound-50s to help shut down the Hornets forwards.

Coffield's marking ability could come in handy against the Roos, while his run off half-back could prove just as influential in Saturday's contest.

The young defender was last seen in St Kilda's Round 8 win over the Gold Coast.

Mason Wood

Following the “best game” VFL Senior Coach Jake Batchelor has seen him play, Mason Wood is a chance to don the red, white, and black against his former side.

The tall forward again had a strong performance for Sandringham, booting two majors and snared 26 disposals in the win between the wing and half-forward line.

Wood also added to his impressive outing with a crucial goal in the 29th minute of the last term to put the Zebras' noses in front.

The ex-Roo's performance backs up his efforts from last week, which also included two goals and well as 29 disposals.

Paul Hunter

A month-long lay-off through injury to Rowan Marshall means there's a chance for Paul Hunter to return to the line-up in his absence.

The 28-year-old was instrumental in Sandringham securing its second win on the trot last Saturday, delivering first use to the Zebras’ midfielders throughout the day through his game-high 42 hit-outs.

Hunter added to his afternoon with 20 touches, pushing his case to partner with Paddy Ryder at senior level.

In Contention

Named as an emergency for the clash with the Dogs, Leo Connolly looms a chance to make his debut against North Melbourne.

The clean-skilled defender has been putting in the work for the Zebras alongside Oscar Clavarino, with his run-and-carry off the half-back flank proving pivotal for Jake Batchelor’s men.

Meanwhile, young Tom Highmore will be itching to break back into the Saints’ starting line-up after being unused as the medical sub against the Bulldogs.

Ben Long will also be hoping to find his way back into the senior side after a solid outing for Sandringham last week.