ST KILDA'S Lenny Hayes and Justin Koschitzke will play their first games for the year when the Saints meet the Kangaroos in a practice match tomorrow.

Hayes, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against the Kangaroos in round nine last year, was named co-captain of the club with Luke Ball and Nick Riewoldt two weeks ago.

Koschitzke played only six games last year in what became a horror season for the ruckman-forward and has been restricted by a quadriceps injury throughout the pre-season competition.

After the successful return last week of Matt Maguire, who broke his leg last year, the inclusion of Hayes and Koschitzke further bolsters the club's hopes of fielding a near full-strength side for the round-one clash against Melbourne in a fortnight.

Hayes, a crucial part of the team's midfield set-up, was named All-Australian in 2003 and 2005 and won the club's best and fairest award in 2003.

Koschitzke's 2006 season was the worst of his injury-plagued career but he remains a vital part of the club's ruck and forward structure.

Riewoldt, who pulled out of last week's practice match with back soreness, will not play tomorrow but football manager Ken Sheldon said he could play in round one.

Riewoldt, last year's best-and-fairest winner, has not played a game in the pre-season competition.

"He withdrew prior to last Friday night's game, which was a very mature decision," Sheldon said.

"Since then he's been working through what is best and won't play this weekend as a precaution … in a fortnight's time we'll be looking for Nick to be in the side."

Sheldon said the return of Maguire, Hayes and Koschitzke ahead of the first game of the season was an enormous confidence boost for the club.

However, he said all three players would continue to be closely monitored by coach Ross Lyon, the coaching staff and medical staff ahead of the opening match of the round on March 30.

"It's just a gradual build-up for Justin, getting his confidence in his own body," Sheldon said. "He's feeling very good and putting his hand up and saying, 'Ready to go'. Lenny has announced his intentions with everybody's consent, so that's great news.

"We're hopeful Matt Maguire will go again (and) progress on last week's introduction."

Sheldon said former West Coast ruckman Michael Gardiner, who has a groin injury, would not play ahead of round one.

St Kilda plays the Kangaroos at Princes Park at 4.30pm tomorrow.