VETERAN St Kilda defender Sean Dempster has been left out of the side to face Sydney at Lavington Sports Ground on Sunday.
Dempster played in a VFL practice match on Saturday for Sandringham, along with midfielder Blake Acres and Billy Longer, who were also dropped from the 27-man squad.
For Sydney, big man Callum Sinclair will enter the home and away season with just one competitive match at AFL level since round 19 last year after he was omitted for the clash with the Saints.
Sinclair had his 2016 campaign ended by surgery on his right knee but played against Greater Western Sydney in the Swans' second JLT Community Series match.
Defensive pair Jeremy Laidler and Nic Newman were also dropped from the squad.
ST KILDA v SYDNEY
Lavington Sports Ground (Albury), 7.10pm AEDT, March 12
ST KILDA
Out: Blake Acres, Sean Dempster, Billy Longer
SYDNEY
Out: Jeremy Laidler, Nic Newman, Callum Sinclair
ST KILDA
1. Tom Hickey, 2. Jake Carlisle, 3. Jack Steven, 4. Jade Gresham, 5. Shane Savage, 6. Seb Ross, 7. Luke Dunstan, 9. Jack Steele, 12. Nick Riewoldt, 13. Jack Lonie, 14. Jarryn Geary, 15. Jack Billings, 16. Jack Newnes, 17. Dylan Roberton, 19. Sam Gilbert, 20. David Armitage, 22. Nathan Brown, 25. Koby Stevens, 27. Josh Bruce, 28. Tim Membrey, 29. Jimmy Webster, 32. Paddy McCartin, 34. Nathan Wright, 44. Mav Weller
Notable absentees: Leigh Montagna, Daniel McKenzie, Hugh Goddard, Jack Sinclair, Nathan Freeman, Sean Dempster, Billy Longer
SYDNEY
4. Dan Hannebery, 6. Jordan Foote, 7. Harry Cunningham, 8. Kurt Tippett, 9. Will Hayward, 10. Zak Jones, 12. Josh Kennedy, 13. Oliver Florent, 14. Callum Mills, 17. Darcy Cameron, 20. Sam Reid, 22. Dean Towers, 23. Lance Franklin, 24. Dane Rampe, 26. Luke Parker, 27. Daniel Robinson, 29. George Hewett, 31. Harrison Marsh, 35. Sam Naismith, 39. Heath Grundy, 40. Nick Smith, 42. Robbie Fox, 43. Lewis Melican, 44. Jake Lloyd
Notable absentees: Aliir Aliir, Jarrad McVeigh, Isaac Heeney, Tom Papley, Kieren Jack, Gary Rohan
