ST KILDA forward Paddy McCartin emerged unscathed from his return to football in the VFL on Sunday.

McCartin recorded 12 disposals, six marks, four tackles and registered 1.2 in Sandringham's 24-point loss to Williamstown.

It marked his first match since he was concussed for the third time this season against Gold Coast in round 15.

The 20-year-old spent most of the game on the field but it was a rusty display.

He gave away two free kicks in the first term but ended that quarter with a strong grab. For much of the game, however, McCartin struggled to be in the right position in marking contests.

A couple of kicks did not come off the Saint's boot as he would have intended. One set shot almost helicoptered through for a goal but was touched on the line.

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Despite barely any wind, inaccurate kicking plagued the Zebras. They had 1.14 on the scoreboard at three-quarter time, before eventually losing 6.22 (58) to 11.16 (82)at Trevor Barker Oval,.

Sam Fisher also pressed his case for a recall in his return from a hamstring injury. The 34-year-old defender was solid down back all day and his intercept marking and accurate disposal stood out.

Nathan Freeman played at half-forward for most of the game before moving into the backline for the final term. He finished with 12 disposals and three tackles in his third consecutive match.

The 21-year-old has been plagued by hamstring problems for much of his career.

St Kilda next faces Carlton on Sunday afternoon at the MCG.