St Kilda defender Josh Battle will be battling time ahead of his side's elimination final against the Giants at the MCG on Saturday week after entering concussion protocols.
However, the Saints remain hopeful that their tattooed stopper will be fit to do battle in the club's first home final since 2011.
The Linton Street side reported on Tuesday morning that Battle had sustained a head knock during Saturday evening's loss to the Lions.
โInitial assessments showed no signs of concussion however half time assessment revealed Josh had some delayed onset symptoms and he was subsequently substituted out with the diagnosis of concussion,โ Acting GM David Misson expressed by way of an official statement.
โHe'll now undergo the standard concussion protocols, with the hope of being available for week one of finals."
The Saints will be hopeful of receiving a further boost behind the ball, with key defender Dougal Howard set to commence non-contact training this week in an effort to return from a wrist injury.
Both Dan McKenzie and Zak Jones are also set to be reintegrated into Ross Lyon's training plans.
First-year forward Anthony Caminiti will enter the selection frame for the Saints date with the Giants after making strides in his own concussion recovery.
The Saints and Giants will face off at the MCG on Saturday, September 9, with the opening bounce scheduled for 4:20pm (AEST).
