Seb Ross could take the field this week as he prepares to return from a hamstring injury ahead of St Kilda's home game against Richmond at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

The experienced leader could also be joined by Tom Highmore, who missed last week with ankle soreness.

“We expect Seb and Tom to both train fully this week and, all going to plan, they will play,” Acting General Manager of Football David Misson said.

Conversely, first-year defender James Van Es has been ruled out for the season after developing a stress fracture to his ankle.

“We elected to send James in for surgery last week to attend to a stress fracture in his left ankle," Misson said.

“James is a great young player and this will allow him to set up for a full pre-season.”

Meanwhile, key defender Dougal Howard is recovering well following surgery on his fractured wrist.