St Kilda assistant coach Robert Harvey has high hopes for the season in light of the long list of injuries clouding the club.
Key forward Tim Membrey has undergone a minor operation on his knee after damaging it during training last week, sidelining him in the practice matches at RSEA Park against both Melbourne and Essendon.
When speaking to the press this morning, Harvey said the club has little to worry about for Membrey's playing prospects.
“It was really pretty minor to be honest and we were going to push on, but we thought this was the time to have a look at it," he said.
“Thankfully it was as minor as we thought it would be. Reports were all good so we're expecting that he'll be ok for Round 1."
Despite Membrey missing the practice rounds at RSEA Park, he is expected to return to training in a fortnight and will likely return for the first round and play against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium, providing much-needed support for the Saints.
In 2022, Membrey boasted an average of 14.23 disposals per game along with 34 goals from 22 games and an impressive 147 marks throughout the season.
SEE MORE: 2022 SEASON PLAYER STATS
With forward Max King, forward/ruck Jack Hayes and forward/defender Matt Allison all out with their own injuries, Harvey remains optimistic with the younger players in the Saints' forward line.
"We've got some great young kids up in our front half that are ready to go, so we're looking forward to that," Harvey continued.
"We feel like we've trained well, we are pretty available, as much as there's a lot of talk about injuries. We'll have a good side in for round one, we are excited and we're looking forward to the start of the season."
The young prospects, such as 19-year-old key forward Anthony Caminiti from the rookie list will be supported by experienced forwards Jack Higgins and Dan Butler, who had a combined goal count of 49 for St Kilda in the 2022 season.
St Kilda will face Fremantle in Round 1 at Marvel Stadium at 4:40pm (AEDT) on March, 19.