Etihad Stadium management is taking seriously the potential for ugly crowd antics at Saturday night's clash between St Kilda and Carlton after forward Stephen Milne was named to return.

Milne had been forced by his club to sit out the past three matches after being charged with rape over an alleged incident that occurred nine years ago.

"We are a family friendly venue, the game draws thousands of families every week. We'd request that supporters barrack responsibly and in terms of the Milne matter show some restraint," stadium spokesman Bill Lane told AFL.com.au.

"As for security, there will be a strong presence but as for specific arrangements, it’s not an area that we discuss or detail publicly."

Earlier, AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said both the League and St Kilda were prepared for a "mixed response" to Milne's return in Saturday night's clash.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters told reporters at a Friday press conference that the veteran small forward had a right to continue pursuing his profession, despite being charged with a serious offence.