St Kilda GM of Football Simon Lethlean has revealed that star midfielder Jack Steven is targeting a return to the field in round one.
The four-time Trevor Barker medallist took indefinite leave from the club last month to address a mental health issue.
But Lethlean confirmed that Steven has returned to training and is aiming to take on Gold Coast next Sunday in the Saints' season opener.
"Jack’s training now in match simulation which is when he’s at his best and at his happiest," he told SEN's The Captains Run
"The boys loving having him here, he wants to play, he knows he’s got to tick off with the specialists, doctors and the conditioning guys to get picked.
"His intention is to play in Round 1, so he’s going well. He’s smiling and he has been influential in match simulation today."
Steven, 28, has played 176 games for St Kilda after getting drafted in 2007.
Lethlean also said Paddy McCartin (concussion) and Dan Hannebery (hamstring) are unlikely to line-up round one.