St Kilda pair Xavier Clarke and Michael Gardiner believe they can still have a say in the Saints' 2008 AFL fortunes despite leaving their run late.

But Fraser Gehrig's chances of making an AFL swansong appear unlikely despite him getting his name off the long-term injured list this week.

Clarke will on Saturday play his first game since May, when he lines up for the Casey Scorpions in the VFL, having overcome persistent hamstring troubles that sidelined him from the round seven win over Richmond.

The gifted flanker admitted it would be tough winning his spot back with four AFL rounds to go and possibly the finals, but was determined to push hard.

"The guys who are in the team at the moment, the young guys Rob Eddy and Clinton Jones, have been doing a fantastic job and it's not going to be easy trying to push back into the side because those guys are doing their jobs," Clarke said.

"I'm just going to go out there and do the best I can for Casey and hopefully I can find my way back into the side.

"My training has been pretty solid over the last six weeks ... I feel really confident of coming back and playing good footy."

Clarke will be joined by Gardiner, who returned to St Kilda's side for the first time in over a month last Saturday against West Coast after he also overcame hamstring problems.

But he managed just two kicks and eight hit-outs, was dumped from the side to play Port Adelaide on Sunday, although midfielder Luke Ball was confident Gardiner could still be important this campaign.

"He was disappointed with his game at the weekend, it was his first game back for a while, and maybe bigger blokes take a while to get their touch back," Ball said.

"He was very disappointed, but he'll go back, he's got a great attitude, his body's as good as it's ever been, he's really enjoying his footy again and I still think he's got a big part to play."

While Clarke and Gardiner retain hope of winning recalls, the same cannot be said for Gehrig.

Gehrig, 32, can now focus on playing again after coming off the injured list, but will need time to regain his touch after enduring problems with his arthritic hands.

He has not played since round eight and appears unlikely to play again - having returned from last year's retirement - unless the Saints strike injury trouble.

"He's trained harder and he's done more running than he's ever done since he's had his hand (injury)," Ball said.

"Who knows what can happen? We might get a few injuries and he might come in and get that fairytale finish."

St Kilda on Friday signed an agreement with Parks Victoria and the Victorian government to raise awareness about keeping Port Phillip Bay clean.

The three parties and school children will be involved in a bayside clean-up on August 19, and the Saints will use their round 21 clash against Adelaide to promote the issue.

St Kilda chief executive Archie Fraser said the club wanted to help in community activities, especially given its beachside proximity.

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