Billy Longer will miss the remainder of the 2018 season after undergoing ankle surgery this week.
Senior physiotherapist Andrew Wallis has confirmed that the ruckman had a routine operation to repair minor damage in his left ankle, ensuring an uninterrupted start to the 2019 preseason.
"Billy Longer went in for surgery this morning (Tuesday) on his ankle," Wallis told saints.com.au.
"We felt that it was probably hindering his performance a little, so he's gone in for a routine posterior clearance and stabilisation of the lateral ligaments.
"It gives him a really, really good opportunity moving forward to have a solid pre-season, so we're actually quite excited about putting him in early."
Logan Austin and Jimmy Webster will be available for selection this week, provided they get through Thursday's main training session.
Austin injured his groin in Round 16 against Port Adelaide, while Webster has missed the last two weeks after injuring his groin against Carlton.
READ: VFL Report
Brandon White (hip flexor) is a week away, while Nathan Wright (knee) started running last week and is expected to return in two weeks.
Paddy McCartin (foot) is out of the moon boot and progressing well, while Josh Bruce (leg) and Dylan Roberton (heart) remain out for the remainder of the season.
In great news, Roberton has been steadily running for the past four weeks with his sights set on a preseason return.
