St Kilda star Tim Membrey has cast further doubt over his availability for round one of the AFL season as returned coach Ross Lyon scrambles to pull a forward line together.
The Saints are hopeful the experienced Membrey will be fit to take on Lyon's former club Fremantle on March 19, despite undergoing minor surgery on his right knee last month.
The 28-year-old told reporters on Wednesday his rehabilitation is "coming along really well" but could not guarantee he will take part in the Marvel Stadium contest.
"It's still a couple of weeks away but it's on the right (track)," Membrey said.
"If it's feeling good I'll be putting my hand up but it's still a couple of weeks away. I'll be trying my best."
Membrey indicated the Saints will not take any risks with his fitness in round one.
"I don't think it's something that we really need to push if it does get dicey," he said.
"It's a long season. I'm here to play footy, that's what I want to do, and I'll be trying my best.
"But if it falls that way, we'll just have to deal with it and hopefully be right for round two."
Key forward Max King (shoulder) has already been ruled out for at least the opening six weeks of the season in a major blow to the Saints' chances of getting off to a good start in Lyon's second stint at the helm.
Fellow talls Jack Hayes (left foot), Matt Allison (foot) and Isaac Keeler (knee) are also sidelined, as are midfield duo Zak Jones (achilles) and Jack Billings (fractured leg).
Lyon turned to off-season recruit Zaine Cordy and reliable defender Dougal Howard to plug holes in attack during last week's pre-season hit-out against Melbourne.
"It's going to be an exciting opportunity for someone to grab early on in the season," Membrey said.
"Whether it is Dougal or Zaine up there ... Mitch Owens can play that role as well.
"As long as they're competing and bringing the ball to ground, we've got some dangerous small forwards that can certainly hit the scoreboard."
Melbourne racked up a comfortable win over the Saints, who take on Essendon at RSEA Park on Friday in their final practice match.
"We've got some work to do and it's still only early, so we're still very excited by that," Membrey said.
"There's some good things to take out of it - our ball movement and some real positive signs off half-back.
"We've just got to keep working on that little bit of connection going inside-50."
