Elevated rookie Adam Saad and prized draftees Jarrod Garlett and Touk Miller will all make their maiden AFL appearances in Saturday afternoon's round one encounter with Melbourne at the MCG.

Off-season acquisitions Nick Malceski and Mitch Hallahan will begin the next phase of their careers at the SUNS after moving clubs during last year’s chaotic trade and free agency period.

“Nick’s added a lot of leadership, a lot of knowledge and his voice has been fantastic for the group,” coach Rodney Eade told SUNS TV.

Dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett has been confirmed to return to the park following season-ending shoulder surgery last year.

The champion midfielder’s rehabilitation has been heavily scrutinised, but despite not making an appearance in the NAB Challenge series, Ablett has been named in the middle for the Easter Saturday clash with the Demons.

“Obviously there’s been some conjecture about Gary with his shoulder, but his training has been really strong for a long time and he’s done a lot of competitive work the last two or three weeks. So, we’re looking forward to having him in the midfield,” Eade said.

In the absence of regular key forwards Tom Lynch and Charlie Dixon, Sam Day and Daniel Gorringe have been named in the key posts.

Day endured an injury interrupted pre-season before returning in a NEAFL practice match a fortnight ago where he looked in good touch.

Round 1 AFL Premiership Team

B: K. Kolodjashnij, R.Thompson, J. Harbrow
HB: N. Malceski, S. May, T. McKenzie
C:  A. Sexton, D. Prestia, J. Martin
HF: M. Shaw, S. Day, M. Rischitelli
F: T. Miller, D. Gorringe, H. Bennell
R: Z. Smith, D. Swallow, G. Ablett
INT: M. Hallahan, J. Garlett, A. Saad, G. Broughton
Emergencies: T. Nicholls, B. Matera, S. Tape