Speaking to media before today’s opening training session at Linen House Oval, St Kilda Vice Captain Lenny Hayes was hopeful that Captain Nick Riewoldt may be preparing for his return to AFL football this weekend, when the Saints take on Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Although Ross Lyon and his medical staff will make the final decision after Thursday’s main training session, Hayes said Nick has been training strongly.

“I don’t think it is a certainly (that Nick will play) at this stage, but we’ll have to wait until later in the week when the coaches and medical staff make a decision. It would be great to get him back, we all know what a champion he is, so hopefully it will be this week but if not, it will be in the next few weeks.”

When asked as to whether the Saints may be taking a more conservative approach to Nick’s return due to the Club’s position as second on the ladder, Hayes was in no doubt that this had no influence over the decision.

“Our position on the ladder doesn’t come into it too much. The Club is always going to do what is best for Nick and that’s what will impact their decision. His training has been really good for the last few weeks, but they will make that decision on Thursday after our main training session.”

“I think Rooey (Nick) is pretty keen to get out there as soon as possible, but he is not likely to take any risks. If he, the Club and the doctors feel he is ready for Saturday night then hopefully he will play.”

Admitting that having Nick back at full training has been a real positive for the players, Hayes said; “It has given the boys a spring in their step seeing him back out there. He is such a big part of our team and our Club- he’s our Captain and we all love playing footy with him.

“It’s been really exciting seeing him run around and he has been in pretty good touch on the training track so hopefully he takes that with him into games.”

In Nick’s absence, Ross Lyon and the Assistant Coaches have been able to give an opportunity to a number of other players in the Saints line up who are either new to the senior side or testing out other positions around the ground.

Speaking of the team structure without Nick, Hayes said; “It has probably forced other guys to step up. For a couple of weeks we were trying guys in different positions and that can be a good thing, because it helps us become a more flexible team.”

Although with the imminent return of Nick, as well as senior players Jason Gram and Justin Koschitzke who have also been out with injury, there may be some unlucky players who will return to the VFL to make room in the side.

“There are obviously a few guys who will come into calculations later in the week including Jason Gram and Kosi.”

“I certainly don’t envy the coaches making those decisions coming off a win, and there are going to be some unlucky players (who may miss out on selection).”