ST KILDA is confident boom youngster Luke Dunstan will miss just the Saints' first NAB Challenge hit-out after he rolled his ankle at training this week.
The 20-year-old, who had season-ending shoulder surgery after round 19 last season, won't play in the Saints' clash against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday. But he is expected to be available for their next game, which is against Essendon on March 7 in Morwell, as is Tom Hickey (knee).
In better news for the Saints, midfielder Jack Steven will play against the Lions in Moreton Bay on Saturday.
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Steven had been pulled back from training in the last few weeks as he managed the stress reaction in his thigh he developed late last season.
Swingman Tom Simpkin is another who will miss Saturday's game after a procedure on his knee, but is expected to suit up to face the Bombers.
However, half back Jimmy Webster will miss a month of training after damaging a tendon in his right ring finger, which needed surgery.
Webster had 22 touches in Saturday's intra-club match before the operation earlier this week.
Luckless half forward Daniel Markworth, who has endured knee and hamstring issues in his first three seasons, hurt his shoulder in the same game.
He faces more assessment after this weekend before a decision is made on his availability for the Bombers' game.
Arryn Siposs (shoulder) and Sam Gilbert (foot) remain on track to play at some level in the first half of the season.
Siposs is looking at a longer layoff after the shoulder he had reconstructed last season was reinjured on the Saints' New Zealand training camp in December.
He will look to return through the VFL in the first two months of the season, while Gilbert – who is coming off post-season revision surgery on his troublesome foot – is aiming for a round six start, also in the VFL.
Luke Dunstan is a $422,000 midfielder in NAB AFL Fantasy this year. Create and fill your AFL Fantasy Classic league by March 2 to win a free AFL Live pass.
