STEPHEN Milne has left a meeting with St Kilda board members happy with how the club is treating him as he faces rape charges, says teammate Nick Dal Santo.
The veteran forward reportedly received an assurance at Thursday's meeting that he will play seniors again.
A group of Saints players and coach Scott Watters met board members to clarify Milne's future, a day after the club announced an indefinite suspension for the forward.
The Saints stood down Milne on Wednesday, after Victoria Police charged him with four charges of rape.
Milne was assured during Thursday's meeting that his decorated AFL career was not over, according to The Age website.
Dal Santo, one of those who attended the meeting, said players had been left unsatisfied by the initial explanation for Milne's suspension they received from a board member on Wednesday.
"We needed some more clarity on that and I think we walked away still asking some questions," Dal Santo told the Nine Network's AFL Footy Show on Thursday night.
"We went to the club today, 18 of the senior boys which included Milney (and met) three board directors and the senior coach again.
"We went through it and we walked away understanding exactly what it's about.
"Milney was happy with the decision and where it's heading and so were we."
Dal Santo, who along with Saints captain Nick Riewoldt will play his 250th AFL game on Saturday against Melbourne, said he was disappointed Milne wouldn't be part of it.
He said it had been a tough week for all of the players and coaching staff.
"I would have loved Steve to play in mine and also Nick Riewoldt's 250th game this weekend," Dal Santo said.
"It's obviously very disappointing.
"But with that, I understand the club's decision, fully support what they've decided to do.
"At the end of the day, it's about Milney's welfare."
Earlier on Thursday, Milne's manager pleaded for his client's privacy.
Tom Petroro, of Stride Management Group, issued a statement on behalf of Milne.
"Stephen is taking the legal matter very seriously and has engaged lawyers to represent him to contest the charges," the statement read.
"Like every citizen, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence. It is requested that the privacy of Stephen, his wife and his family be respected during this time."
St Kilda coach Scott Watters will hold a media conference at the club's Seaford base on Friday morning.
However Nick Riewoldt and Nick Dal Santo, who will play their 250th games on Saturday night against Melbourne, will no longer speak attend the media conference as planned.
Milne, who faces court on July 5, will remain on the St Kilda list but will not play for an indefinite period.
