ST KILDA is expecting the return of veteran Sam Fisher to boost morale ahead of Saturday's clash against North Melbourne in Tasmania, in his first AFL match in more than 13 months.
Fisher, who has been cut down by foot, toe, hamstring and back injuries in the past year, flew out of Melbourne on Friday morning and is set to make his first senior appearance since round 10, 2013.
Coach Alan Richardson said St Kilda's senior players were keen to see their Grand Final teammate back in the side after working his way back to fitness in the VFL.
"The footy he's played in the VFL has been really well supported by his teammates, particularly those guys who played in that really successful period with him," Richardson said at Melbourne Airport.
"They felt his frustration and they value his contribution to the team enormously when he's up and going.
"They're keen to get him out there for many reasons, but probably the most important one is, potentially, he's a real boost for our guys."
Richardson said there was a chance Fisher would return a little rusty, but the Saints would rely on him to play as a tall defender and provide drive out of the backline.
In another boost for the otherwise injury-hit Saints, veteran midfielder Lenny Hayes returns after missing one match with groin soreness.
Richardson said Hayes' experience would be vital against the Kangaroos, but the three-time All Australian had not moved closer to making a decision on his playing future beyond this season.
"His focus is really short-term at the moment and making sure he gets up week to week," Richardson said.
"There's a chance he'll make a call sooner, it depends on how he feels.
"If his body is right and his mind is right, there's a chance he'll play on.
"If not, then we support any decision that he makes. There's a chance in that he gives it away."
The Saints considered playing two genuine ruckmen against the Kangaroos this week, but they eventually settled on resting a sore Billy Longer to make way for Tom Hickey, who returns from a foot injury after three games in the VFL.
"We think Billy has been pretty strong for us, but he's just got a little bit tired the last couple of weeks," Richardson said.
"Hickey is the more experienced player in there and he's more rounded at this stage in his development with ruck play.
"We think Rhys Stanley has been pretty positive the last few weeks as that tall forward/second ruck."
Richardson said versatile youngster Sam Dunnell would play as a marking target this week, with the Saints still searching for a functioning forward line around Nick Riewoldt.
The team was hit with shoulder injuries to tall forwards Tom Lee and Beau Maister this week, while exciting prospect Spencer White also suffered a minor ankle setback.
"The one that frustrated me more than anything is probably Spencer White," Richardson said.
"His form had been pretty strong. He's still a slight chance to play VFL this week, it depends how he responds. He's pulled up pretty sore."
Richardson said the Saints would be preparing for the Kangaroos at their best, but they were conscious of their slip-up against the Brisbane Lions two weeks ago.
The team trained at Blundstone Arena on Friday afternoon ahead of the club's first game at the venue.
