ST KILDA coach Brett Ratten isn't buying negative external commentary of his side's stuttering campaign as he hopes to regain troops for the second half of the season.

After a drought-breaking semi-final appearance last year, the injury-hit Saints have limped to the halfway point of 2021 with a 5-6 record.

Four of their defeats have been by margins of nine goals or more, including a 111-point hammering from the Western Bulldogs a fortnight ago.

Ratten conceded the Saints "haven't dug as deep" as they did last year and noted they have not adequately handled longer quarters and the reduced interchange cap.

But he is adamant the Saints are not yet a spent force as they eye a chance to square the ledger when they take on Sydney at the SCG on Saturday.

"We're 1-10, aren't we? That's what it (sounds) like, but what it feels like inside is completely different to what the narrative is outside," Ratten said.

"We understand the inconsistency of our performances and what we've done throughout games, which is not acceptable.

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"But we're 5-6 and we'll get a few of these players back in the next few weeks.

"It might be post-bye that we get them back, but for us as a group, we're not listening to the narrative outside."

Hunter Clark returns from a week out with groin soreness to tackle Sydney, while experienced recruits Shaun McKernan (toe) and James Frawley (shoulder) aren't far away.

Rowan Marshall (foot, 2-4 weeks) and Zak Jones (quad, 4-6 weeks) will return after the round-14 bye, but Jade Gresham (Achilles) and Ben Paton (leg) are out for the season.

Doubt remains over injury-prone Dan Hannebery (calf) and Dean Kent (concussion).

Ratten was pleased with St Kilda's first three quarters last week, when it skipped seven goals clear of bottom side North Melbourne, but was let down by a final-quarter lapse as the Saints staggered home by 20 points.

An improved performance and win over Sydney in enemy territory could kickstart a finals push, with St Kilda likely to start favourites against Adelaide in Cairns the following week.

"We've got the ball in our court, as everybody keeps saying internally, so it's up to us," Ratten said.

"There's still a lot of footy to be played and a lot to get out (of it).

"You just never know and we don't listen to the 'Saints woes' and all that.

"We've virtually nearly won half our games and haven't played that well this season.

"We have some opportunities in the next few weeks and then post the bye as well."

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Saints defender Dougal Howard is in line for the job on Lance Franklin on Saturday as the in-form Sydney superstar edges closer to the 1000-goal milestone.

"Hopefully we make it tough because (the supply) is pressured, but he's going to keep probably Howard's hands pretty full for the day," Ratten said.

"It's whether we can get enough support there, but I think it's going to be about the supply."