ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson has conceded recruit Nathan Freeman may not play senior footy this year.
Freeman, who has a history of hamstring injuries, raised alarm bells in the club when he felt his hamstring tighten during the week.
Richardson said the club will be conservative with Freeman, and he will return to play in the reserves only when ready.
Match preview: Melbourne v St Kilda
“By the end of the year, I want him to be ready to go next year.”
“This year was all about bullet-proofing his body so he’ll have a long and successful career for us,” he said.
“He was a player with two years of hamstring issues. He’s going to take a while, and that’s proven to be the case.”
Richardson said Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna were “definite” starters for the Saints’ match against Melbourne.
Both players had injury concerns following the team’s 47-point loss to Greater Western Sydney last week; Riewoldt had an ankle complaint, and Montagna was struggling with a sore hamstring.
“They were both a little bit sore last week, probably halfway through the third quarter they were getting a little bit weary. Just some knocks, nothing more sinister than that,” Richardson said.
Both veterans were present at a light training run at Moorabbin on Friday, although their output was limited, and Montagna emerged from the rooms late to join his teammates.
The Saints have made three changes to the side after last week’s loss, with Tim Membrey replacing a “managed” Paddy McCartin in the forward line, and Jade Gresham and Blake Acres coming in for Jack Lonie and Tom Lee (both omitted).
Richardson said McCartin’s body needed a break after an interrupted pre-season.
“He missed three games prior to the start of the season with a hammy, then he got concussion halfway through the Collingwood game and had a lower-load [training] week.
“So he’ll have a week – I hope it’s only a week – and we’ll have to wait and see how he responds and he’ll get his body right,” Richardson said.
The Saints play Melbourne on Saturday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.
