NICK Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna are expected to line up against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday as St Kilda looks to replicate Sunday's four-quarter effort against Essendon. 

The Saints were pipped by two points by the Bombers but maintained their intensity for the majority of the game, with a few lapses in concentration costing them late.

This week, they'll be strengthened by the return of Riewoldt, who hasn't played since round two because of a calf strain, and Montagna, whose knee injury has kept him out since the season opener.

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"We expect them to play - barring mishap they'll play," coach Alan Richardson said on Tuesday.

"They've been training strongly and driving the doctors mad in terms of wanting to play prior to now.

"Given circumstances they weren't quite ready but we'd be expecting them both to play.

"They'll do everything today, they did most of our work last week so they're ready to go."

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The Saints had a light run on Tuesday morning at Seaford with their big session to come on Thursday.

Jarryn Geary and Jack Steven were on light duties while Shane Savage fully took part despite icing a hamstring after being subbed off on Sunday and will be fit for round six.

Head physio Andrew Wallis said Sam Gilbert will also return from an adductor strain, while Farren Ray is one week away.

Midfielder Seb Ross is listed at two weeks. 

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