St Kilda midfielder Nathan Freeman is on track to return from right hamstring surgery through the VFL on Saturday afternoon.
The 22-year-old just needs to continue training well to face Box Hill at Box Hill City Oval.
Freeman was operated on in February, when a defect was found in his muscle.
WATCH - Nathan Freeman is leaving nothing behind
He was ready to play his first game of the year last week, but a bye for Sandringham meant the former Magpie was confined to training.
The powerful runner flew to Germany at the end of both 2016 and 2017 in a bid to sort out the problem that has kept him from making his debut since he was drafted with the 10th selection in 2013.
He managed 13 matches in the VFL last year and was performing well enough to be in the frame for his first senior game.
However, a right ankle syndesmosis injury last July ended his season prematurely.
He was brought to the Saints for his elite speed and endurance while his professionalism and positive attitude through adversity have impressed the club.
