IT HAS been over 320 days since Sam Fisher last played a football match, but all things being even, he will return to competitive action this weekend.

Fisher will comeback via the VFL, but remains 'in the mix' to make the trip to Wellington, New Zealand the following week for St Kilda's Anzac Day clash against Brisbane, according to Alan Richardson.

"We still have a pretty meaningful training session to get through today and a Captain’s run tomorrow," Richardson said on Thursday morning. 

"He will play VFL this week so he’s certainly getting closer. It’s good to have him back in the mix."

The 31-year-old has played 191 games for the Saints since debuting in 2004, including three Grand Finals along the way. 

Prior to last season, he rarely missed a game and was one of St Kilda's most consistent and valuable performers.

Richardson doesn't expect Fisher to take too long to find his touch, especially given his relatively unblemished history with injuries before 2013.

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"Those guys that don’t have an issue with soft tissue [injuries] - and he’s been really good over his career - 10 years of pre-seasons and significant work, it means they can generally come to hand pretty quickly," he said.

Fisher won St Kilda's best and fairest award in 2008 and 2011, was runner-up in 2007 and finished third in 2006. He was also named in the 2008 All-Australian team following a stellar season in which he averaged 23 disposals and nine marks per game.

The strongly built half-back returns after a toe injury prematurely ended his 2013 season, with hamstring and back issues delaying the start to his 2014 campaign.