In better news for the Saints, Riewoldt's fellow veterans Sam Gilbert was named in St Kilda's 25-man squad on Thursday night available to play this weekend following a recent hand injury. Daniel McKenzie, Jack Lonie and Tom Hickey have also been added to the Saints' squad. Angus Brayshaw is in contention to play his first senior game since round two after being named in the Dees' extended team. Josh Wagner, Billy Stretch, Sam Weideman and Mitch Hannan have also been added by Melbourne, with Sam Frost and Christian Salem dropped.

"We're hopeful Nick will only miss one game but he will go through the standard concussion protocols next week before being declared available for selection."

The Demons and Saints - looking to return to the finals for the first time since 2006 and 2011 respectively - are both percentage off eighth spot with three rounds to play.

Earlier on Thursday, Saints forward Tim Membrey said he appreciated the importance of the clash. "We do know how important, not just this game but the remainder of our season is to get us into the finals. I guess we're treating every game as if it is a final because we need to win them all," Membrey said.

The Demons beat the Saints in round one, but Membrey played down talk of any residual effect of that result.

"That was a long time ago now," the forward said.

"But Melbourne are a quality side and they've got some really strong players through the midfield and all across the board, so we've got to be at our very best to get the job done."