With key forward stocks already dangerously low, St Kilda are confident Tim Membrey will be available for round one despite undergoing knee surgery.
The 28-year-old has been ruled out of the Saints' two AFL practice matches - the first of which is against Melbourne next week Friday - after injuring his knee last week.
St Kilda are already missing star Max King, who underwent a shoulder reconstruction late last year and isn't expected back until round five, while Jack Hayes and untried key forward Matt Allison are both sidelined with foot injuries.
