AFTER an injury-impacted pre-season St Kilda has received some welcome news, declaring six of its senior players fit and available for round one.

Jack Billings and Shane Savage have both recovered from hamstring strains and will be up for selection for the Saints' round one meeting with Greater Western Sydney. 

The Saints have also confirmed David Armitage, Billy Longer and Jarryn Geary will be free to play after being rested during the NAB Challenge, while Josh Saunders played for Sandringham's VFL team on the weekend after an interrupted lead-in to the home and away season.

"These six players have all played in the NAB Challenge and intra-club matches and done a power of work over the pre-season so they should be fit and firing for round one," St Kilda football manager Jamie Cox said.

"The three boys who were rested for round three of the NAB Challenge had played the first two rounds and needed a break so will be better for the rest.

"The three boys coming off the injury list have all played pre-season games and completed the vast majority of pre-season training so their preparation hasn't been significantly affected." 

Farren Ray and Seb Ross will not play as they recover from long-term hamstring tears suffered in the pre-season competition, while Leigh Montagna (knee) and Nathan Wright (adductor) are expected to be fit for round two.

Cox said the club had feared the worst with Montagna when he went down with the injury during last week's 106-point loss to Hawthorn.

"We're happy that it is a better outcome than that," Cox said.

Nick Riewoldt didn't feature in the NAB Challenge after the death of his sister Madeleine last month. 

The Saints anticipate their captain will be available to take on the Giants on Sunday, April 5.