ST KILDA is expecting Sam Gilbert to put a limited pre-season behind him and push for selection in the Saints' round one clash against Greater Western Sydney.
The unlucky defender has played 15 games in two years because of a knee injury (2013) and repeated issues with a foot fracture this season.
While he is yet to resume full training after revision surgery on the left foot at the end of the season, coach Alan Richardson says he should "most definitely" aim to play in the Saints' season opener.
"He should be right after Christmas to join in," Richardson told AFL.com.au.
"We're being fairly conservative with 'Gilbo' for obvious reasons; he's had wretched luck in recent times.
"He's able to do a bit of work off legs and he's in pretty good nick but in terms of footy training he hasn't joined in with the group yet.
"If it's not straight after Christmas it won't be long after that."
The Saints' defence has suffered in recent years with a number of players battling injuries, including veteran Sam Fisher.
Fisher suffered a long-term toe complaint in 2013 and then hamstring problems this season, which were related to how he had overcompensated for his previous injury.
He returned for the final seven games of the season and with a fit Gilbert, Jarryn Geary, Dylan Roberton, Sean Dempster, Luke Delaney and youngster Hugh Goddard, the Saints' defence is taking shape again.
They won't push Gilbert, given his history with the foot problem that first started nearly 12 months ago and kept him to just six games this year, and will slowly ramp up his load with an eye to getting a full year out of him.
"We won't be rushing him," Richardson said.
"He's a good player, he makes us better when he plays and in a pretty young group he adds some real steel and some experience.
"We're keen to have him out there but we'll make sure he's in good nick."
