ST KILDA defender Sam Fisher will be sidelined for another four to six weeks after suffering a repeat hamstring injury in the VFL at the weekend. 

The 31-year-old, who was on the cusp of playing his first AFL game for the season, suffered the injury in the opening minutes of Sandringham's win over Essendon on Sunday.  

With back and hamstring injuries keeping him sidelined this season, the best-case scenario for Fisher now is to return against Port Adelaide in round 12.       

The two-time club champion remains valued at St Kilda but his playing future is uncertain as the Saints get games into their new-look backline, which includes tall recruits Luke Delaney and Josh Bruce. 

Fisher travelled to New Zealand with the Saints ahead of their round six clash against the Brisbane Lions, but he failed to prove his fitness and also missed out on playing in the VFL as a result of travelling. 

The Saints have been hit with a raft of long-term injuries, with Tom Hickey (foot), Sam Gilbert (foot), Nathan Wright (leg), Eli Templeton (arm) and Jarryn Geary (arm) all unavailable for extended periods.