ST KILDA defender Logan Austin suffered a shoulder injury at training on Monday and won't take part in contact drills over the next fortnight.
His pre-season had previously been hampered by a groin concern. Soon after returning from that setback, Austin hurt a shoulder.
The 23-year-old played seven games in his first season at the Saints after being traded from Port Adelaide.
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Fellow key backman Jake Carlisle has also been sidelined as he deals with a back problem, with no definitive timeline for his return to the main group.
If the Saints have a fit backline come round one against Gold Coast on Sunday, March 24, Austin is expected to push Nathan Brown as the club's second tall defender.
While Brown is more of a lockdown option, Austin can win the football, having picked up at least 18 disposals in all but one of his matches last season.
