St Kilda defender Jake Carlisle remains in doubt to face North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

Carlisle copped a knock in a marking contest during the Saints' loss to Adelaide last weekend and received treatment in the rooms, before returning to the field with strapping on his hamstring.

The former Bomber failed to train on Wednesday and has just two days to prove his fitness.

Meanwhile, Nick Riewoldt looks set to return after a three week absence, while Nathan Brown is also fit to play, despite suffering a back spasm against the Crows last week.

It looms as a crucial clash for both sides, with both teams sitting at 5-6 after the openign 11 games.