St Kilda midfielder Zak Jones will miss the start of the AFL season with an Achilles injury, but Tim Membery is on track for round one.
Jones has endured an interrupted pre-season due to a calf strain but his return to full training has been further delayed by an Achilles setback.
The Saints have already ruled him out of their two practice matches and the round-one clash with Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on March 19.
But if all goes well, Jones will be available for the round two encounter against the Western Bulldogs.
Jones has been restricted to 42 games across the past three seasons since crossing over from Sydney at the end of 2019.
Membrey is expected to be available for the season opener after a successful clean out of his knee last week.
"There has been no swelling in or around the knee following the operation and he already has a good range of motion, so we're optimistic that he will be ready for round one," acting football operations manager David Misson said.
"Zak has faced a frustrating pre-season with injury to date, but we're backing him in to attack his rehab and make himself available after our match with Fremantle."
Key forwards Max King (shoulder), Jack Hayes (foot) and Isaac Keeler (knee) are anticipated to return after round six.
Ruckman Tom Campbell has overcome an Achilles flare-up in time to play in Friday's match simulation against Melbourne.
