ST KILDA'S wildcard chances have been dealt a big blow with Jack Sinclair and Tom De Koning both set to be sidelined out of Sunday's loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Sinclair is understood to have been cleared of an Achilles rupture, but has a serious calf injury after a scan on Monday morning.

With eight games left in the Saints’ home and away campaign, the dual All-Australian could miss the rest of the 2026 season.

00:25

Saints suffer huge early blow as skipper ruled out with calf issue

St Kilda cops a brutal early headache as co-captain Jack Sinclair pulls up sore with no contact around him

Published on Jun 21, 2026

Sinclair has played at least 20 games in every year aside from the COVID impacted 2020 season since becoming a permanent fixture in 2018. 

De Koning remained in hospital on Sunday night with a punctured lung after a crunching blow before half-time, which ruled him out of the second half. 

00:39

Saints' woes continue as big recruit ruled out with rib concern

St Kilda suffers another massive injury blow as high-profile recruit Tom De Koning cops a knee to the ribs and is ruled out at half-time

Published on Jun 21, 2026

The ruckman also has two cracked ribs and is set to miss some games out of the club’s mid-season bye. 

Rowan Marshall will also be scanned on Monday after injuring his shoulder at Marvel Stadium. 

The 30-year-old returned and played out the game but was clearly hampered the issue. 

17:42

Access: Fears for middle-of-the-road Pies and Saints, why Lloyd isn’t sold on Fraser

Matthew Lloyd and Damian Barrett with the latest news and opinions from Round 15

Published on Jun 21, 2026

St Kilda is also set to be without Alix Tauru for another stint with the young key defender under scrutiny for a bump in the VFL. 

The hit ended the day of Footscray player Stirling Phipps-Parsons, which could result in at least a three-game suspension if it is graded as intentional, high contact and severe impact. 

00:29

Young Saint in hot water for heavy bump

Young St Kilda defender Alix Tauru is set to come under scrutiny for this hit in the VFL

Published on Jun 21, 2026

The Saints are now on the bye and sit a game outside the wildcard spots, ahead of a clash against Essendon in round 17.