UNLUCKY St Kilda midfielder Nathan Freeman appears unlikely to make his debut this week, despite finally stringing some continuity and good form together in the VFL.
Freeman was originally selected by Collingwood with pick No.10 in the 2013 draft before joining St Kilda at the end of 2015, and has yet to play a senior game due to a long stream of soft-tissue injuries.
The 23-year-old has now played six consecutive games with the Saints' VFL affiliate side Sandringham, and recorded 29 disposals, seven marks and a goal in Sunday's 66-point loss to Richmond.
Coach Alan Richardson told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 that Freeman's debut would have to wait for another week.
"He's close, but he's still not quite ready," Richardson said.
"He's physically right to go, but just has to be completely confident in his body and just let himself go.
"[He needs to] get to another level in terms of his dynamic play, which is his 'one wood', and he's not quite there yet. But, he's getting closer."
When asked directly if Freeman will debut this year, Richardson didn't guarantee it.
"Certainly, that's the plan, but he'll play when he's ready to play, and he's not quite ready to go," Richardon said.