St Kilda key forward Justin Koschitzke has been named to play his first game of the AFL season against Brisbane at the Gabba on Thursday night.

The 28-year-old was one of three inclusions as the win-less Saints reacted to a 52-point loss to Essendon in their most recent match before last weekend's bye.

Raph Clarke, Brett Peake and Ryan Gamble were all dropped, a move forecast by coach Ross Lyon after they played in the VFL on the weekend.

Tough backman Steven Baker returns from a heel injury, with Andrew McQualter the other inclusion.

Ruckman-forward Koschitzke, a veteran of 163 AFL games, has worked his way back through the VFL after off-season ankle surgery.

The 15th-placed Lions, also coming off a bye, made two changes, losing Ryan Lester to a foot injury and dropping Claye Beams.

Utility Tom Collier was named for the first time this season, while ruckman Broc McCauley was selected for just his second AFL game.

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