ST KILDA has shaved another player from its long post-season injury list, with young midfielder Luke Dunstan cleared to return to full training.
Dunstan battled a shoulder injury throughout his fine debut season and was forced into surgery after round 19.
The tough 19-year-old played 16 games in 2014, earning the round one NAB AFL Rising Star nomination and the club's Most Promising Player award.
Dunstan follows a host of teammates – including Eli Templeton (broken arm), Tom Lee (shoulder), Jarryn Geary (calf) and Shane Savage (arm) – who have rejoined training with the main group.
Jimmy Webster (foot), Luke Delaney (hip) and Tom Curren (groin) have also been given a clean bill of health, while Josh Bruce (shin) has made a strong recovery from surgery in August.
Bruce recorded a personal best in the two-kilometre time trial on Wednesday, when the Saints started to ramp up their fitness program following the Christmas break.
"It's pleasing to see so many players take part in full training at this stage in the season," Saints high performance manager Adam Basil told the club's website.
"We have had a significant focus on running and endurance up until this point and we'll continue to develop a high level of conditioning through an intensive training block before we start to freshen up for the season."
However, several key Saints remain on modified programs, including ruckman Tom Hickey.
Hickey was restricted to just six games last season after he was slowed by a long-term foot injury and then knee tendonitis.
But the 23-year-old is on track for round one against Greater Western Sydney, as is veteran defender Sam Gilbert (foot).
Long-kicking utility Arryn Siposs is in rehabilitation after he jarred his reconstructed shoulder at the club's high performance camp in New Zealand last month.
Meanwhile, No.41 draft pick Jack Lonie will remain in a moon boot until the end of January after the small forward rolled his ankle at training before Christmas.
Saints on the run at pre-season training. Picture: AFL Media
