LUCKLESS St Kilda wingman Nathan Freeman has again injured his hamstring.

The 22-year-old reported hamstring soreness last week at training, with the club exploring options including surgery.

However Fairfax Media reports that Freeman has suffered a hamstring tear, and given his history even a minor injury is cause for concern.

“Nathan has done a huge amount of work with our medicos and conditioning team over the summer to reach the level needed to play AFL football,” St Kilda GM of football Simon Lethlean told the club website.

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“Friday’s injury, while relatively minor, suggests there could be an underlying issue with scar tissue that is preventing him from reaching his full capacity.

“Nathan will consult a specialist this week, but regardless of whether surgery is the preferred option, the recovery period is expected to be the same as a conventional rehab program.

“It’s hoped he will only miss a few weeks of work on the track, where after he can then find a level of continuity with training and playing games that creates a platform to push for AFL selection.”

Freeman was drafted with Pick 10 by Collingwood all the way back in 2013, only playing four games at VFL level before being traded with Pick 68 to St Kilda for a future second round pick (eventually 33) and 63.

But hamstring injuries have ruined his attempts so far at an AFL career, with 11 consecutive VFL games played last year being his longest injury-free run since playing at TAC Cup level.

Nathan Freeman in action for VFL side Sandringham last season. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: News Corp Australia

He suffered a separate injury setback late in the season when his right ankle was caught under a tackle applied by teammate David Armitage.

Last year the Saints considered calling up Freeman for his senior debut but the club’s priority was making sure his hamstring was strong enough to last an entire season.

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson said at the club’s annual members forum last June that he had his “fingers crossed” every time Freeman went out onto the training track.

Earlier this month, Richardson told AFL Media that Freeman was in excellent shape.

“His speed is now as high as it’s been in two years, so he’s starting to back himself and trust his legs,” Richardson said at the time.

Freeman is contracted until the end of 2018.