St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt is hoping to return to AFL football on Sunday having missed just one premiership match with a knee injury that was initially feared to be an eight-week injury.

Riewoldt was listed for a fitness test in the Saints official medical update yesterday and if he gets through the week will play against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.

The Gold Coast’s No.1 AFL son was injured against Richmond in Round 7 and has missed the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match and last Friday night’s Round 8 clash with Collingwood.

His availability would be a massive boost for the battling Saints, who, after a 2-0 start, have lost four of their last six games, beating only Essendon and Richmond.

Despite missing last week Riewoldt remains St Kilda’s No.2 goal-kicker with 16 – behind only Stephen Milne (20). And his 61 marks put him at the top of the club’s list, ahead of Fisher (54).

The blonde spearhead also is set to push for a spot in St Kilda’s all-time top 10 goal-kicking list.

His career tally of 271 has him 13th on the list, within striking distance of No.12-listed Bill Young (274), No.11 Nicky Winmar (283) and No.10 George Young (284).

St.Kilda’s other Queenslander, Sam Gilbert, is still three-four weeks away from a return.

He has missed the past three matches following a shoulder dislocation.