ST KILDA captain Nick Riewoldt capped his first week back at training with a "courageous" appearance at the Saints' jumper presentation on Saturday, but there is no rush for the star forward to return to the field. 

Riewoldt returned to Seaford this week after spending time with his family following the death of his younger sister Madeleine.

Close friend and teammate Leigh Montagna praised the club champion for joining teammates in St Kilda as part of the club's membership march, and said he would launch his 2015 season when he was ready.    

"Whether he’s right to play next week or for round one that will be up to Nick," Montagna said.

"I am still not sure at this stage, I am not sure if he knows when he will be right to play.

"Obviously it’s a very tough situation and he’s going through the grieving process and he needs to take his time. 

"It was great for him to show his face today and it was really courageous." 

Riewoldt made a low-key return to Seaford this week, and football manager Jamie Cox said the club would speak with him soon about when he plays his first game for the season.  

"There's been no pressure with regards to that," Cox told the club's website this week.  

"He's in pretty good nick [and] he's enjoying getting back to football at his own pace." 

The Saints play Hawthorn on Thursday night in their final NAB Challenge clash.