Ball injured the hamstring against Port Adelaide in round 18 but had been scheduled for a return this week until reinjuring it in a running drill over the weekend.
Coach Ross Lyon said he hoped the former captain could recover in time for St Kilda’s second final.
“He didn’t tick a box so we’ll move on to the next step. Luke’s an important player, a valued leader and a best and fairest winner,” Lyon said.
“We would love to have him play but clearly he’s not there. He hasn’t been there the previous few weeks and we’ve been able to perform.”
Lyon said the setback was only minor.
“It happened over the weekend. It’s not unusual. It’s not earth-shattering. It’s just a bit of a hiccup. He’s had a hiccup, so we’ve got to pull it back a bit.”
Forward Adam Schneider is expected to recover from an ankle injury sustained in last week’s win over Essendon, while Xavier Clarke is a chance to return.
