Reports across the weekend suggested Hudghton, who was dropped for the Saints’ round 21 loss to North Melbourne, had injured a hamstring in Sandringham’s VFL match on Saturday.
But St Kilda football manager Greg Hutchison said while he was yet to catch up with the club’s medical team, the Saints didn’t believe the 32-year-old had suffered any significant damage.
A positive report on Hudghton would be a big plus for Ross Lyon’s team, with Hudghton’s experience and ability to back up young backman Zac Dawson likely to be crucial in the coming weeks.
"The indication from the game was that there was no incident and that it was just some tightness," Hutchison told afl.com.au on Monday morning.
"I’m sure the doctors will be having a look at him … you would think he would be available [for selection]."
Champion forward Nick Riewoldt landed heavily late in Sunday’s clash against the Kangaroos but played out the match, with his long-range bomb in the final seconds of the game just falling short.
Riewoldt appeared to be sore but Hutchison said the star Saint had only received a corkie near the knee joint and should be okay to take on Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.
Meanwhile, rugged midfielder Lenny Hayes is also set to resume against the Demons after being a late withdrawal against North.
"He also wasn’t feeling 100 per cent well yesterday morning as well; he had a bit of an illness or a virus overnight," Hutchison said.
"So we erred on the side of caution there and you’d expect Lenny would be available this week."
