NICK Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna are expected to line up against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday as St Kilda looks to replicate Sunday's four-quarter effort against Essendon.
The Saints were pipped by two points by the Bombers but maintained their intensity for the majority of the game, with a few lapses in concentration costing them late.
This week, they'll be strengthened by the return of Riewoldt, who hasn't played since round two because of a calf strain, and Montagna, whose knee injury has kept him out since the season opener.
"We expect them to play - barring mishap they'll play," coach Alan Richardson said on Tuesday.
"They've been training strongly and driving the doctors mad in terms of wanting to play prior to now.
"Given circumstances they weren't quite ready but we'd be expecting them both to play.
"They'll do everything today, they did most of our work last week so they're ready to go."
The Saints had a light run on Tuesday morning at Seaford with their big session to come on Thursday.
Jarryn Geary and Jack Steven were on light duties while Shane Savage fully took part despite icing a hamstring after being subbed off on Sunday.
Riewoldt's return will give the coaches plenty to consider as the Saints seek the right mix up forward.
Tom Hickey came in last Sunday and played well in the forward line and as a support to Billy Longer in the ruck.
Richardson said he faced a "challenge" at selection to avoid being too top heavy against the Dogs.
"We'd rather have those problems than trying to find people to play there," he said.
"We thought Tom was good. It meant we didn't have to put [Josh] Bruce in the ruck - he could stay as a forward.
"There's no doubt with ‘Rooey’ potentially coming back into the team, it will put a bit of pressure on someone in the front half.
"We'll have to wait and see … but Hickey couldn't have done much more."
Match preview: Bulldogs v Saints
The Saints played Bruce, Hickey and former Sydney Swan Tim Membrey together against the Bombers, with Hickey filling the back-up ruck role Bruce has in the past few weeks.
Richardson said Membrey - who has played in all five games this year - was performing well despite not being as prolific as Bruce, who booted five goals against the Bombers.
"He's done a pretty good job. He hasn't smashed the scoreboard in terms of goals or even shots on goal but he's been pretty impressive in terms of his work rate," he said.
"His defence has been strong, his field kicking is very good.
"Before he'd joined our club he'd played one game of AFL footy. He's a young man, he's got a lot of scope … and his early games for us have been solid."
Honest meeting sparks Saints' new-found bravery
The Saints face a huge challenge against the revitalised Bulldogs, who have lost one game and most recently upset the Swans in driving rain in Sydney.
"They're in really good form," Richardson said.
"They play really aggressive footy, both the way they defend and they're testing teams going back the other way.
"They're playing with real confidence and we're playing on a quick deck, which probably suits the way they're playing. It'll be a terrific challenge."
