St Kilda key forward Max King is aiming to return to full training in the return from the Christmas and New Year break.
The tall target amassed 19 goals and 12 behinds from 12 games in 2024 before he had a PCL tear end his season prematurely in Round 16.
King has gradually reintegrated with the main training group and is expected to fully return in January.
Anthony Caminiti is progressing from post-season surgery, taking to the track under a modified program that involves non-contact drills. The 21-year-old played 15 games at Moorabbin last season, but required a shoulder reconstruction after an injury against Geelong in Round 23.
Liam Stocker (groin) is likely to integrate back into full contact training in mid-January after avoiding surgery, while Marcus Windhager (hamstring) is also set to return in early 2025 after his August surgery.
Liam Henry's return to training is still yet to be determined after having post-season knee surgery, but the 23-year-old continued his running progression this week. Hampered by injury in 2024, the 2023 trade recruit played just 12 games in his debut Saints season.
“It's pleasing to see majority of our sidelined players make strides in their rehabilitations heading into the new year,” St Kilda's executive general manager David Misson said.
“For players like Max and Marcus who are now nearing the tail-end of their respective recoveries, we're hopeful they will be able to prepare for 2025 unimpeded to best set themselves up for the upcoming season.”
Although Alixzander Tauru is expected to return to running within the next fortnight, St Kilda's second top 10 pick in this year's draft is unlikely to return to the main playing group until February as he continues to recover from a back stress fracture.
Misson commended Tauru on his resilience through his injury as a new recruit.
“It's always a challenging time for players waiting to rejoin the main group, especially as a new recruit,” Misson said.
“We've been really impressed with how Alix has approached his rehabilitation and we'll continue to take a cautious approach to ensure he's ready for a great first season at the Saints.”
The Saints' opening match of the season comes against Adelaide on Sunday, March 16, while their AAMI Community Series clash will be against Port Adelaide on Saturday, March 1.