ST KILDA expects captain Jarryn Geary to be available for round one after undergoing facial surgery on Monday.
Geary suffered the "minor" injury in Sunday's Marsh Community Series win over Collingwood.
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St Kilda Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean said the 31-year-old would be given every chance to take his place against the Kangaroos on March 22 at Marvel Stadium.
"We will wait to see how he is later next week before making a call, but with the weekend off our expectation is Jarryn will be there in round one," Lethlean said.
Geary was instrumental in Sunday's 11-point victory, part of a backline that restricted the Magpies to just 12 scoring shots.
He is returning from a frustrating 2019, restricted to just five games after suffering both compartment syndrome and a broken leg.
Geary's return alongside Dylan Roberton, Jimmy Webster and Jake Carlisle, along with Port Adelaide recruit Dougal Howard, ensures a more experienced backline for Brett Ratten in 2020.
