ST KILDA have confirmed Nathan Freeman's wretched luck has continued, with the youngster needing more hamstring surgery.

The 22-year-old suffered his latest injury at training last week and the operation means another extended break from playing.

"He won't be running for about four weeks and then from that point there he will need to work into fitness so it could be about round four or five before he comes back in the VFL," Finnis told SEN radio on Wednesday night.

Freeman managed 13 games in the VFL last year before an ankle injury ended his season early. 

Collingwood recruited him with the No.10 pick in the 2013 draft and he was traded to the Saints two years later. He is yet to make his AFL debut and his contract expires at the end of this season.

Before last week's injury, the Saints had been upbeat about his pre-season progress.

Meanwhile, Josh Bruce continued his recovery from right knee surgery by booting three goals in a VFL practice match against the Northern Blues on Wednesday evening.

Bruce, 25, had the operation last December and returned to full training just over two weeks ago.

He played for Sandringham to build up his workload.

Conditions were windy at Ikon Park and Bruce missed a few shots. He spent most of the game at full-forward and was a constant threat.