ST KILDA veteran Leigh Montagna is a likely inclusion for Saturday's clash with West Coast at Etihad Stadium.

However the Saints will not regain experienced defender Jarryn Geary who will miss another week with a corked thigh.

Geary and Montagna were both late withdrawals from the Saints' game in Adelaide last weekend, with the latter suffering from hamstring soreness.

"Joey [Montagna] is very likely [to play] and his scans have come back all clear," Richardson said.

"Geary is a bit less likely – he will probably need another week unfortunately, but it will give another young bloke a chance which is a positive."

Captain Nick Riewoldt (concussion) will be joined on the sidelines by youngster Jack Lonie, who was also concussed against the Crows.

Nick not out for the count yet: Saints

Richardson said Riewoldt's condition was not as bad as some had made it out to be.

"He's feeling really good and he’s in again today. He’s really bubbly," Richardson said.

"Nick will sit down with our doctors and some external specialists next week to have a conversation. At this stage he's pretty keen (to play).

"He'd almost play this week if he was allowed. It's more likely to be sooner rather than later."

With Riewoldt out, Richardson nominated Tim Membrey, Tom Lee and No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin as the players most likely to fill the breach. 

Membrey booted three goals in the VFL, while Lee – who has been playing mainly in defence at that level – switched forward to kick two late goals.

McCartin was rested from the game, which was always planned according to Richardson.

Richardson added Farren Ray would need at least another week in the VFL as he works his way back from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for two months.

Meanwhile, Jack Sinclair has been granted permission to remain on the Saints' senior list because of a change to the interpretation of an AFL rule.

Sinclair was upgraded ahead of round one to replace Seb Ross, who underwent hamstring tendon surgery in March but will return in the VFL this weekend.

Sinclair was one of three rookies elevated in April, along with Adam Schneider and Ahmed Saad.

The Saints were initially told Sinclair would have to return to the rookie list this week because he was directly promoted for Ross.

But, after talks with the AFL, the first-year forward – who has played every game – will remain a senior-listed player for now with Daniel Markworth and Arryn Siposs still on the long-term injury list.

"The AFL has had discussions with St Kilda in the last few days," an AFL spokesperson confirmed to AFL.com.au on Thursday.

"The Saints presented their position, it was considered and the AFL was happy for them to proceed."

Saad, who hasn't played since being omitted in round four and was initially elevated for Markworth, will now return to rookie status.

While Markworth and Siposs are set to return from shoulder injuries in round 11, the Saints could keep Sinclair on the senior list via the nominated mid-season rookie rule, if their total player payments allow it.