Expectation is building at St Kilda that captain Nick Riewoldt will make his AFL comeback on Saturday night against Brisbane.

Riewoldt has been out of action since round three because of hamstring tendon surgery.

Coach Ross Lyon said after Sunday's win over Melbourne that Riewoldt was close to resuming.

Acting captain Lenny Hayes said on Tuesday morning that Riewoldt's return would be a major boost for the Saints.

"I don't think it's a certainty at this stage, we'll have to wait until later in the week and the coaches and medical staff will make a decision," Hayes said.

"It would be great to get him back, we all know what a champion he is and hopefully it's this week."

The Saints have coped admirably without Riewoldt, their most important player, and they have won their last six games to hold second spot on the ladder with eight rounds left.

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