St Kilda's defensive injury spate has hit crisis proportions as they prepare to take on a star-studded Hawthorn AFL attack on the rebound on Friday night.
The Saints have lost Rhys Stanley and Tom Simpkin, who had been filling key defensive positions, to season-ending injuries.
St Kilda were already without three of their best defenders - James Gwilt, Sam Fisher and Sam Gilbert - plus rookie-listed tall defender Jackson Ferguson.
It leaves them desperately light on for options as they prepare to combat Hawthorn star tall forwards Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston at Etihad Stadium on Friday.
The Hawks trio will all be keen to bounce back after they had a rare quiet day against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.
Stanley needs surgery after fracturing his collarbone during Saturday's loss to Brisbane.
Simpkin had a leg operation on Monday.
Forward Arryn Siposs has also had his season ended, by a shoulder injury, for which he will also have surgery.
All three are expected to be fit by the start of pre-season.
The injury plight means Saints backmen such as Sean Dempster and Dylan Roberton are likely to have to step up and play on taller opponents.
And veteran utility Jason Blake, who hasn't played an AFL game since round three, might push for a recall.
