St Kilda coach Ross Lyon was upbeat about his team's finals chances despite Saturday's 12-point loss to Brisbane at the Gabba, saying the second half improvement capped an excellent five-week stretch that had them well prepared.
Lyon said the Saints would likely get Max King back for their elimination final, with the full-forward having resumed training after "jamming" his knee last week.
Josh Battle was ruled out with concussion at half-time following an earlier head knock. The Saint resumed playing before eventually being ruled out, which Lyon explained.
"The doctors assessed him, did a SCAT test, it was clear and then he went south from there and they tapped him out," Lyon said.
Hunter Clark also suffered a corked leg but is expected to be fine, while Seb Ross is likely to be back from a hamstring injury.
"I think we go in good order to whoever we play, wherever we play and we're really looking forward to it.
"The real season is starting, this is just qualifying."
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01:58
RD24 | 'It was pretty special': Hayes on comeback
Jack Hayes chats to Mitchito Owens following his long-awaited return from injury against Brisbane.
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05:08
RD24 | 'What a hitout before finals': Lyon post-game press conference
Ross Lyon discusses the Saints' narrow loss to the Lions and what lies ahead in finals.
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00:42
RD24 | Hayes celebrates goal in comeback game
Jack Hayes gets a moment to savour in his long-awaited return from injury.
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08:21
RD24 | Highlights v Brisbane
Relive the key moments from the Saints' 12-point loss to the Lions at the Gabba.
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00:50
RD24 | Terrific Crouch nails dribble goal
Brad Crouch puts through an early second-half major for the Saints with this sensational kick dribbling through.
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