FOR players with fragile recent pasts, it is a markedly different approach: one rested, the other worked.

But should it get this right, St Kilda's speculative ruck punt could contrive a profitable result.

Steven King and Michael Gardiner working in tandem, with Gardiner last week moving with a fluidity believed to have abandoned him five years ago, presented an intriguing insight into what could be the shape of things for the Saints.

If they can both stay fit and play. Which is the big "if".

Gardiner has played 36 games in the past five years, and half of those were played in one season five years ago in 2003. King has played 69 in the same period, but only six last year.

King's injury troubles last year coupled with his age mean a process was put in place at the start of the six-week practice match and pre-season cup series that he would play the first couple of games and rest.

So irrespective of the interest in an earlier-than-expected rematch with the club he captained and returned to play in a premiership with only months ago, he was never going to play against the Cats today.

Gardiner, on the other hand, has a far worse injury record but rather than cotton-ball him, he has been so bereft of match play that it is more important to give him as many games as possible. Even if it breaks him down.

That being said, he has some soreness — perhaps a product of the return to playing games — and could be a late withdrawal today.

"We have definitely tailored our programs for all of our players and the plan all along was for King to miss," football manager Matthew Drain said.

"Gardy, we just need to get as many minutes into as we can, having said that he is a bit sore at the moment so we won't take any chances, but we do want to play him we will wait and see."

That might suggest young rookie ruckman Luke van Reenan, who was on the Saints rookie list last year and played in the VFL side, might get a chance to play. Michael Rix will also be used in the ruck.

The intention in all of this is to free up Justin Koschitzke from carrying the ruck load. Last year he finished the season playing deep forward and with Fraser Gehrig playing on and Nick Riewoldt playing out across half-forward, this presents a three-pronged forward line that would stretch any defence.

"He will still ruck, but it is about being flexible, he has also played in defence so he could be used at centre half-back. Everyone in modern football is looking for versatility," Drain said.

St Kilda would normally have something to fear in playing Geelong.

Last weekend the Cats handed the Demons a punishing 71-point defeat and they looked hungry in arriving in Canberra for today's NAB Cup quarter-final against the Saints.

But the Saints do not believe in fear. St Kilda did not train yesterday but arrived in the nation's capital looking fresh and ready to take on the premier.

The squad spent the afternoon locked in team meetings before today's game that is expected to be played in fine, mild conditions at Canberra's Manuka Oval.

For one man in particular, the game will hold more importance than the average pre-season match in a town where AFL is rarely played.

After moving from Geelong to St Kilda, Charlie Gardiner has a point to prove.

Gardiner was silent yesterday but today won't be because the Saints will be without leading men Riewoldt and the evergreen Robert Harvey. Every voice will needed at full volume for the Saints to get up.

For the premier, it is a chance to stretch the legs.

There have been major changes made to the Cats' squad with a host of premiership stars, including captain Tom Harley and Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel rested.

Tom Lonergan will continue his return from that contest 18 months ago that left him without his right kidney. He will be joined by rookies Jeremy Laidler and ruckman Shane Mumford.

The winner of the game will play the victor of last night's Western Bulldogs-Essendon clash at Telstra Dome.

With AAP