IT COULD be season over for luckless St Kilda midfielder Nathan Freeman, who will miss up to six weeks after injuring his right ankle in the VFL against Geelong last Saturday.
Freeman, 22, was hurt when a teammate fell into his leg in the opening quarter at Simonds Stadium.
Football manager Jamie Cox told saints.com.au on Wednesday that Freeman didn't need to go under the knife.
"Nathan hurt his ankle in a tackle early in the VFL game on Saturday. He doesn't require surgery, but is likely to miss the next four to six weeks with the injury," Cox said.
"It's been a really positive year for 'Freezer'. He's played 13 games in the VFL plus a few in the pre-season, so it's been a big step forward for him."
With VFL finals beginning on September 2, Freeman would be touch-and-go to play for Sandringham if the Zebras make it that far.
Lindsay Gilbee's side is sitting in ninth spot, with eight sides making the finals in the VFL.
In his fourth year in the AFL, the former Magpie, taken with pick No.10 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, has yet to make his AFL debut.
Hamstring injuries have been his main concern, although they have not caused him major trouble in 2017.
Meanwhile, veteran Leigh Montagna's return date remains clouded after his hamstring injury was listed as indefinite.
With no contract for next season, the 33-year-old may have played the last of his 287 matches.
"Joey suffered a hamstring strain in the third quarter on Saturday night, but it doesn't require surgery so it will be rehabbed with the diligence that he does everything with," Cox said.
"We don't have an exact return date at this stage but it's slightly worse than a traditional hamstring."
Onballer David Armitage made his return from two bouts of groin surgery in the VFL.
"Armo played three quarters in his return game on Saturday and performed well in the midfield," he said.
"We'll continue to take a conservative approach with his recovery, training and game volume over the next few weeks as we gradually build him back up to an AFL return."
Armitage said after facing the Cats that he expected to play 80 minutes for Sandringham this week and a full game after that before he became available for senior selection.