St Kilda coach Alan Richardson is confident star forward Nick Riewoldt will be fit to take his place in the Saints' season opener despite missing the entire NAB Challenge series.
Riewoldt, 32, missed approximately two weeks of pre-season training while he spent time with family following the tragic passing of his younger sister in February.
Richardson said Riewoldt would be put through a rigorous training block in the lead up to the club's round one clash against Greater Western Sydney to make up for the lack of match practice.
"Two years ago he had a similar prep in terms of no games prior to the season and he had a strong start and a strong season overall," Richardson said on Thursday.
"He'll be right."
While Riewoldt is a likely starter, Richardson said No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin still had the job in front of him to claim a spot in the season opener.
"He hasn't set the world on fire," the coach said of McCartin's opening two NAB Challenge performances.
"He's a young forward who is coming up to speed with AFL footy ... and that's often the way with key position players.
"We've liked the way he's gone about his footy. He gives a really good contest and his movement has meant that others have been able to get an opportunity. It's not always about how many marks or how many goals he's kicked.
"He's played his role, but he's no certainty to play in round one."
Riewoldt's return is a boon for the Saints who have been hit with a string of hamstring injuries on the eve of the home-and-away season.
The club's lengthy injury list allows them to elevate a rookie to the senior list for the early part of the season with Richardson nominating small forward Ahmed Saad as the front runner.
Share
