Veteran St Kilda defender Steven Baker faces a significant challenge to break his way into the Saints line-up for Saturday week's preliminary final, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.
The 30-year-old hasn't played since Round 13 when he was suspended for nine matches for his relentless niggling and harassment of Geelong forward Steve Johnson.
Selected for last Friday night's qualifying final against the Cats, Baker - who suffered a broken toe four weeks out from his scheduled return - was a late withdrawal because of general soreness.
Speaking to the media ahead of Thursday's training session at Moorabbin, Lyon wouldn't be drawn on whether the extra two weeks' break would hinder or help Baker's selection prospects.
"It's a long time to be out, but it's not like he had a significant injury," said Lyon.
"Basically he's done an enormous amount of work, he had that slight hiccup for a week and now he's been able to get going."
"It's about what role potentially he might play and certainly he has the capacity but it's a significant challenge, no doubt, a massive decision to be made at the appropriate time."
"He's just got to keep making every post a winner."
Lyon said that Baker heads a long list of players doing their best to break into the side for the preliminary final.
"He needs to keep pushing along and training really hard, which he has, but there's a few like (Jarryn) Geary who was really, really unlucky not to play (against Geelong)," said Lyon.
"Jack Steven we were really tempted to play as well ... and (David) Armitage went out of the team and Luke Miles so we've got a few more than just Baker that are banging on the (door) trying to get an opportunity."
"Steven has been on the agenda for a while and we had that hiccup with the injury but he's certainly banged in a lot of work and every day gets more impressive."
"He's certainly a chance."
Lyon said he was looking forward to Saturday night's semi-final between the Swans and Bulldogs and the opportunity to size up the Saints' preliminary final opponents.
He said the main goals at Moorabbin this week had been to get the training loads right and keep the players tuned in.
"It's not a hard and fast formula, it's science and art," Lyon said.
"We don't know who the opposition is and there's no game so it's a bit more lower-key obviously, but training is really important and the management of our players."
"It is a long, hard year and the opportunity to freshen up a bit, if you handle it in the right manner, should be an advantage, but history tells you it doesn't always work that way."