The vast majority of St Kilda’s squad will avoid any post-season surgery, which should set the club up to attack a shorter pre-season.

With Paddy Ryder already recovering from a hamstring tendon injury, only a handful of his teammates will face operations in the off-season.

Swingman Josh Battle just needs a short period of rest to allow him to fully recover from a hot spot in his foot. Battle isn’t expected to miss any pre-season training and does not have a foot fracture as has been incorrectly reported.

Forward Tim Membrey wasn’t so lucky after also suffering an injury in the semi-final.

Membrey will have his ankle assessed this week and may require a torn ligament to be repaired via surgery.

The setback isn’t expected to impact his pre-season.

Hunter Clark (knee) is also likely to undergo a minor procedure after a long 2020 season but will be ready to go when St Kilda’s one-four year players report for pre-season training in early December.

All other players will begin their 2021 campaign on January 6.