NATHAN Freeman remains in the hunt for an AFL debut this season after avoiding surgery for a shoulder injury suffered in the VFL on the weekend.
The St Kilda midfielder, who has been cruelled by hamstring injuries since being drafted by Collingwood in 2013, hurt his AC joint while playing for Sandringham's VFL side.
The Saints were unclear about the extent of the damage after the contest.
AFL.com.au understands Freeman will miss several weeks however he will not need to have surgery after the setback.
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The 22-year-old will be hoping to return before St Kilda's bye (in round 14) which would give the speedy ball-winner enough time to break into the Saints' senior side for an elusive debut.
He racked up 56 disposals in his first two games back at VFL level since another hamstring injury in February.
Freeman spent two injury-riddled years at Collingwood, where he was selected at pick No.10 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, before joining St Kilda.
