St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin will spend at least one more week on the sidelines as he recovers from concussion, with the Saints taking a conservative approach with their young star.
McCartin was rested from Sunday's surprisingly hard-fought win over Essendon after he suffered a concussion - his third of the season - against Gold Coast.
The 20-year-old has now suffered five concussions in the past two years, which led to speculation he would not take the field again this season.
But he was in the rooms at Etihad Stadium after the win over the Bombers and coach Alan Richardson reported he was tracking well towards a return.
"If it hadn't been that he'd had three knocks, he'd probably be pretty close to playing this week," Richardson said.
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"They haven't been big knocks ... but just because he's had a few knocks, we'll be pretty conservative.
"He'll play footy again this year, there's no doubt about that, we're really pleased with the way he's going.
"I would hope he would perhaps only miss another one, another two max. But once again, that will be up to the medical staff ... whatever they say goes."
St Kilda play Melbourne at Etihad Stadium next Sunday and the Western Bulldogs at the same venue the week after.
Saints defender Shane Savage was taken from the ground in the final term on Sunday after a heavy collision with Essendon forward Joe Daniher.
Richardson said he was dazed but would be fine to take on the Demons next week.
