St Kilda's Dan Butler has undergone ankle surgery for the second time this pre-season, with the small forward facing a delay to his plans for 2024.
The club confirmed earlier this month that Butler had undergone surgery on a hampered ankle at the cessation of the 2023 season.
According toย 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary, Butler has required further surgery on his ankle but is expected to return to main training as early as next month following the recent procedure.
"At St Kilda, Dan Buter has this week undergone his second ankle surgery of the pre-season, meaning a further delay to his Round 1 preparations," Cleary said on Thursday night.
"The Saints (are) hoping he'll rejoin the main training group at some stage in January.
"He'll have even more importance in 2024 after Jade Gresham's departure."
Butler was St Kilda's second best goalkicker this year, booting 33 majors from 24 games to trail only fellow small forward Jack Higgins at Moorabbin.
In the club's most recent pre-season injury update, the Saints confirmed captain Jack Steele (ankle), Brad Crouch (knee), Jack Hayes (knee), Mitch Owens (foot), Max King (shoulder), Anthony Caminiti (hamstring), Mason Wood (calf) and James Van Es (ankle) had required attention on separate ailments that wouldn't see them at full fitness until the new year.
Higgins had also reported back soreness during the club's return to pre-season, however the club was confident the matter wouldn't hinder his availability.
The Saints will face Essendon and North Melbourne across the pre-season in late February and early March, with both matches to be held at RSEA Park.
