St Kilda midfielder Luke Ball is expected to overcome injury and take his place for Saturday night's must-win clash against Sydney.
Ball, who withdrew from last Friday night's drawn game against the Western Bulldogs with a tight adductor, is likely to play against the 2005 premiers at Telstra Stadium, Saints' coach Ross Lyon said on Tuesday.
"He's fine. All last week he was playing and training then he got a bit tight," Lyon told the media before his troops trained at Moorabbin.
"We did a fitness test Friday morning. He had improved, but not enough,"
"I spoke to him before and he's really keen. He'll be managed again tonight and train Thursday. He's a big game player, he's a midfielder, and he's already said to me that he wants to be in the midfield. There's real hope that he will play."
Lyon flew to Canberra to watch the Swans dismantle Melbourne on Sunday and admits his side has a tough task ahead.
"They were really well disciplined, well organised and I think Leo Barry will be back (from injury)," he said.
"Last year's grand finalists, added (Peter) Everitt to the ruck, (they are) scoring more, defending well. It's a massive challenge, but since the break our form has been outstanding and we go up there full of confidence."
Saturday night will be the second time Lyon takes on the club he spent three years with as an assistant coach.
The apprentice got the better of his master in round seven when the Saints prevailed by 26 points.
"I said last time the world knows how Sydney plays, but not many beat them. It's certainly easier for me during the week in preparation. You know where to drill into them and what to look for. Hopefully that will help me coach a little bit better."
He is not finding any solace in the fact Sydney is winless in 2007 at this weekend's venue, however.
"If you look at last year, obviously which I was involved with, they were better at Telstra Stadium than they were at the SCG," Lyon said.
"The SCG actually opened up a little bit for them. We used to chuckle a little bit because everyone thought they were coming up to a bigger ground at Telstra Stadium but in area surface it is smaller than the SCG."
"It (Telstra Stadium) is longer but narrower ... you have to be aware of it and you tend to kick it out on the full a little bit."
"Does it give you any advantage over Sydney? I don't think so. It's about winning the ball, using it well and defending well."