St Kilda’s backline is due to be bolstered in the coming weeks with the imminent returns of Dougal Howard, Jimmy Webster and Liam Stocker from their respective setbacks.

Howard (hamstring) is at least one week away after being sidelined early Round 13 against Gold Coast, while Webster (calf) will face a test this week to put forward his availability for Sunday’s match against Port Adelaide.

Stocker, alongside Isaac Keeler, has also resumed full training after missing the past month with an abdominal strain.

“After a week to recover after the bye, our squad is in overall good health,” EGM Football David Misson said.

“It’s pleasing to see our defence be strengthened by several players’ returns and we hope their availability will have a positive impact as we attack the second half of the season.”

Meanwhile, Brad Crouch and Jack Hayes will undergo further assessment in their respective knee recoveries, with a timeframe to be ascertained following further consultation.

Injury list