Soft tissue injuries during the week to Jimmy Webster and Luke Dunstan are not a consequence of the Saints’ limited rotations in the second-half of the win over Collingwood, according to Senior Coach Alan Richardson.

Both Webster (quad) and Dunstan (hamstring) produced the finest performances of their seasons against the Magpies, but along with Dylan Roberton (ankle), won’t make the trip to face Hawthorn in Tasmania.

Richardson revealed that whilst the pair’s injuries are minor, they are both likely to be sidelined for the next two games.

“It’s hard to say. We looked at the loads and our loads were reasonable (against Collingwood) in fact we were able to maintain rotations through the midfield,” Richardson said at a press conference on Friday.

“We don’t think there was any correlation between the fact they had to hang around for longer because of injury to others.

“It’s disappointing not to have those guys out there, but that’s footy. Both boys will probably miss a couple.They are not significant injuries, but enough that they’ll need to rest for a couple of weeks.”

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Richardson conceded it was disappointing the pair’s form will be halted by injury, particularly given the sizeable contributions both Webster and Dunstan made in St Kilda’s first win since July last year.

“Webster had 12 possessions in the last quarter. Dunstan, I said after the game that was probably his best quarter, and had a really significant influence on the outcome of the game with his third quarter,” Richardson said.

“So really strong performances. It’s disappointing that they won’t be able to back it up.”

With three forced changes due to injury, Blake Acres and Eli Templeton have earned another opportunity after both midfielders were dropped following the Saints’ first round loss to Port Adelaide, along with Tom Lee who will play his first AFL game since 2014.

“Someone else will get an opportunity; Blake Acres will come in, Tommy Lee will come, Eli Templeton will come in. That is good that we will get a bit of depth,” Richardson said.

“It’s up to those guys now to perform to keep their position.”

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