ST KILDA spent the early part of this week reviewing its travelling and recovery procedures after a sudden spate of hamstring injuries.

The Saints lost Jack Billings early in their loss to the Brisbane Lions last week and the youngster is now in a race against time to be fit for round one of the premiership season.

Shane Savage will also miss the rest of the NAB Challenge after suffering a mild strain while Farren Ray is out for the first two months of the season after damaging a tendon.

Although Ray's is considered a different kind of injury, given it affected the tendon near his knee and required surgery this week, the fates of the other two – plus a sore Dylan Roberton – sparked an instant review.  

"We've had a look at our travel protocols and our recovery protocols and how much training they did last week," director of coaching and strategy Danny Sexton said on Thursday.

"We've had a really thorough review early this week.

"Farren Ray's was a unique one, he got pushed in the back as he was kicking the ball so his hamstring got extended.

"Shane Savage, unfortunately he gave his (hamstring) a little bit of a nick and Dylan Roberton's in the clear and his scan's come up as 'DOMS' (delayed onset muscle soreness).

"We're really happy the news on Dylan is positive but it's a shame when any player misses time through injury.

"Farren will be out for an extended period of time but we hope Billings and Savage are available for round one."

Roberton may face Hawthorn on March 19 in the Saints' final NAB Challenge hit-out but will miss Saturday's clash with Essendon in Morwell.

The Saints haven't put a date on captain Nick Riewoldt's expected return to the club.

Riewoldt is in Tasmania with his family following the death of his younger sister Madeleine last week from a rare blood disorder.

"He would have been keeping active because he's a real professional in how he treats his body," Sexton said of the St Kilda captain. 

"It's been a really tough time for Nick and his family and he'll decide when the right time is for him to return to footy.

"Nick will know when the time is right to come back. 

"I think he is holding up ok, but understandably he will take as much time as he needs to keep supporting his family."

Jack Billings is a $379,000 forward in NAB AFL Fantasy this year. Set up a live draft and take on your mates in Fantasy Elite now.