St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has “some real thinking to do” ahead of his side's clash with the Hawks on Sunday as several big men put their hand up for selection.

Last year’s fairytale story Jack Hayes is a possibility to play his first AFL game since rupturing his ACL in Round 6 of his debut season, while Zaine Cordy is expected to return from concussion protocols.

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06:48

'They're electric': Lyon previews Hawks, weighs up talls

Ross Lyon fronts the media for his weekly press conference as St Kilda prepares to face Hawthorn on Sunday.

Lyon is hopeful to gain valuable aerial experience against a Hawks outfit in “elite” form.

“Zaine Cordy is available, Jack Hayes is available and I thought (Anthony) Caminiti found some form,” Lyon said.

“Do we play two rucks? They played two rucks against us last time. We like (Rowan) Marshall forward.

“We’ve got some real thinking and planning to do, they’ve got some real threats and they’re feeling good about themselves with not much pressure on them. They can’t play finals so they’re just going for it.

“We want to embrace the expectation and not be constrained by the expectation. We want to express ourselves like we did in the last quarter (against North).”

22:59

Discussing the run home: Lyon joins AFL 360

Ross Lyon joins Geelong counterpart Chris Scott at the AFL 360 desk following the Saints' win over North Melbourne.

The Saints have been without spearheads Max King and Tim Membrey, who combined for 86 goals in 2022, for the majority of the season, leaving scoring duties to a talented yet inexperienced forward group.

The news is positive for the pair, who could both make their own returns in the coming fortnight.

Membrey (knee) is slated for an appearance in the VFL on Saturday after a lengthy rehabilitation, while King (shoulder) is an “outside chance” to face the Blues next week.

“Membrey is progressing beautifully. We’re excited where he’s got himself to. He’ll play in the VFL this week. He’s worked really hard,” Lyon said.

“It’s been significant not having him or Max all year – we’ve been a really tender age in our front half.

If we can get them (Tim and Max) back at the pointy end, that’d be nice, wouldn’t it?

Lyon conceded the Saints will put work into Hawthorn captain James Sicily after his best-on-ground performance in their meeting earlier this year.

The Saints remain in sixth position heading into Round 20, with games against Carlton, Richmond, Geelong and Brisbane to follow their date with the Hawks.

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