A new-look North Melbourne lineup has been well defeated by a strong St Kilda side on Thursday afternoon.

With the likes of Todd Goldstein, Jed Anderson, Trent Dumont, Jared Polec, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Ben Cunnington watching on from the sidelines, there was plenty of opportunity for some of the Roos’ new faces.

Draftees Charlie Lazzaro and Tom Powell showed some promising signs in midfield, while Jaidyn Stephenson booted two goals from a midfield/forward role.

In all, North fielded seven new players, with list hopefuls Flynn Appleby and Sam Skinner also enjoying valuable game time and a chance to prove themselves.  

The Saints’ ball use proved too much for the Roos to handle though, as David Noble's side was beaten 22.8 (140) to 6.13 (49) in their opening scratch match at Arden Street Oval.  

Poor goal-kicking from the Roos, and some ill-discipline in the backline saw the scoreline blow out at the final siren.

North’s next test will come in the shape of Hawthorn, with the teams facing off at Arden Street on March 6.

Young guns

Roos first-round pick Tom Powell looked comfortable at the level, while fellow draftee Charlie Lazzaro was busy after half-time as a midfielder. Roos youngster Tarryn Thomas delivered some flashes of brilliance.

Switching positions

Roos skipper Jack Ziebell was steady and assured in his new half-back role, while Kyron Hayden was used almost exclusively as an inside midfielder in the absence of Jed Anderson (calf) and Ben Cunnington (concussion). 

Injury watch

Goldstein and Luke Davies-Uniacke (soreness) missed for the Roos but both are expected to play in next week's AAMI Community Series clash. Anderson, Cunnington and Trent Dumont watched on along with Jared Polec.