Coach Alan Richardson presented Nathan Freeman, traded from Collingwood, draftees Jade Gresham and Brandon White, and father-son pick Bailey Rice. But Carlisle, who has had a controversial post-season, was absent, later joining his teammates for a training session.

The club was also celebrating signing new major sponsor Pepper, global financial services business and lender, on a three-year-deal.

The Saints showed some improvement in 2015, finishing in 14th place on the ladder, after ending 2014 dead last.

Richardson said the youngsters would need to earn the respect of other players at the club.

"We think they have enormous talent," he said.

"They're going to have to work to maximise their talent, but they're quality, strong people and they're going to play a lot of footy for our football club."

Captain Nick Riewoldt was taking an extended break from training to spend time with his extended family.

His sister Madeleine died this year.

Former Bomber Carlisle had been St Kilda's biggest win of this year's trade period - they gave up pick five in the national draft to sign the 24-year-old.

But footage of him appearing to snort a white powder was made public just hours after his signing and the club suspended him for the first two weeks of next season.

He was reportedly in trouble again recently when he turned up late for training at St Kilda.