Gehrig has played three games this year for a modest return of seven goals, although four of those came against Carlton’s undermanned defence in round two.
He was comprehensively beaten by Matthew Scarlett in last week’s loss to Geelong and appeared to struggle with the close attention of Bulldog Brian Lake a week earlier.
However, Drain says it was agreed with Gehrig before he re-signed with the club that he wasn’t necessarily going to be in the selection frame for every match.
“When Fraser came back, part of the deal was that he wouldn’t play all the games,” Drain told afl.com.au on Thursday night.
“We’ve always said that, and Robert Harvey is the same, even through the pre-season we said they wouldn’t play all the games and this is an example of that now. They’re veterans, they’ve been champions and are still very good players.
“This week was just dependant on how Fraser was travelling, how we were travelling and depending on the opposition, so it’s a bit horses for courses, and it’s one of those weeks where we’ve decided to rest him.”
Drain admitted that while Gehrig wasn’t struggling with any injuries, his disrupted summer needed to be taken into consideration.
“He’s fit, but he’s also coming back from a significant calf injury and a limited preparation,” Drain said.
“He didn’t play round one and missed basically most of the NAB Cup, so this is a chance to get him right and bring him back as we see fit and as his body allows him.”
Also missing from the St Kilda team to face Essendon on Friday night at Telstra Dome are ruckman Michael Gardiner and forward Adam Schneider, who both made their club debuts in round one and have had a sizeable impact in their short time at the Saints.
While Drain admits Schneider was touch-and-go to play the Bombers, Gardiner is a little bit further away.
“Gardy’s still working on that strain in his calf, so we’re hoping he’ll be right for Port Adelaide,” Drain said.
“That’s the plan at this stage and we’re hoping he’ll have a strong week this week.
“We didn’t want to risk Schneider because he’s had a history of hamstring injuries and, while this one was a slight strain, we’re hoping he’ll be fully fit for next week.”
In the loss to Geelong, both Harvey and Xavier Clarke suffered first-half injuries which restricted their ability to contribute in the late in the game, but Drain says they’ll play.
“They’ve both pulled up fine, Robert probably had more of a problem with his corked thigh early in the week, but he’s been able to get through both training sessions this week,” he said.
“We were really happy with Rob’s output, particularly early in the game before he got corked.
“Like Fraser, it’s a bit horses for courses and he won’t play all the games, but he will tomorrow night.”
