NICK Riewoldt will return for St Kilda this week, but Saints coach Scott Watters has kept tight-lipped about the prospects of fellow veterans Stephen Milne and Justin Koschitzke joining him in the side.

 

Watters said last week Milne would be available for selection against Carlton on Saturday night, but would not guarantee his position ahead of the Etihad Stadium clash.

 

Milne has been on a club-imposed leave of absence since he was last month charged with four counts of rape following an alleged incident in 2004.

 

Koschitzke would play his 200th game if selected to face the Blues, having only played four games this season.

 

"We'll finalise our selection tomorrow," Watters told 3AW on Wednesday night.

 

"Both of those players are experienced and important players for us. They'll be right in contention and we'll just weigh up how people have pulled up after training today.

 

"They're certainly in the mix."

 

Riewoldt was rested for last week's clash with Fremantle at Patersons Stadium, in what was the first game the champion forward has missed in a stellar season.

 

"He'll be back in which will be terrific for us," Watters said.

 

"It was scheduled in at the start of the year as a potential break. A six-day break (into the Carlton game) off the back of a long trip, it was a risk.

 

"It was nothing untoward, [his] knee's fine. We've just got manage him as best we can, not just this year, but over the next two, hopefully, three years."

 

Riewoldt could be joined by a debutant, with Watters suggesting rookie-listed Tom Curren is pushing for a place in the senior side.

 

Curren, a midfielder, has been in strong VFL form.

 

"He's really pushing hard. His form is starting to knock the door down," Watters said.

 

"He's placing pressure on us which is fantastic."

 

Meanwhile Watters reaffirmed his view the club would target defenders through this year's draft and exchange period, having recruited rucks and tall forwards at the end of last season.

 

In their current ladder position the Saints would hold pick three at the NAB AFL Draft, and although they would unlikely to move that pick, Watters said the club would be active through the trade period. 

 

"Our early picks will be highly prized. We don't really want to give those away. We need to get young talent into the group…we're going to be pretty aggressive," he said.