St Kilda are going to be without best and fairest winner Jack Sinclair for their Round 1 clash with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
Sinclair, who's been tending to a calf injury, has failed to pass the necessary fitness tests on Thursday ahead of Round 1, with coach Ross Lyon officially ruling him out.
With the 29-year-old joining Dougal Howard (hamstring) and Jimmy Webster (suspension) on the sidelines, the Saints are ready to bring in recruit Riley Bonner for his first game in the red, white and black.
Bonner, who crossed from Port Adelaide during the latest off-season, will slot straight into the backline to help bolster St Kilda's defence.
The former Power defender will join draftee Darcy Wilson in debuting for the Saints, with the club confirming the Pick 18 had done enough to be selected on Tuesday.
St Kilda has also named recruit Liam Henry as another debutant to take the stage against Geelong.
Henry crossed from Fremantle during the 2023 AFL Trade Period for a future second and fourth-round selection.
The former Docker has been seen in the forward line and along the wing in the pre-season so far, working in tandem with Brad Hill, Mason Wood and Wilson.
Arie Schoenmaker could also be in the mix for Saturday's game against the Cats.