Riewoldt’s knee injury hits Saints

STAR St Kilda veteran Nick Riewoldt has been ruled out of Friday night’s match against Adelaide, with his recovery from a knee injury slower than expected.

The Saints are hopeful the 34-year-old spearhead, who missed last week’s 40-point loss to the Western Bulldogs with bone bruising, will be available to face North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium next Friday night.

“Nick has been recovering from a knee knock and won’t get up this weekend unfortunately,” Saints football boss Jamie Cox said.

“He’s progressing pretty well and we fully expect him to be available the week after, but we’ve already ruled Nick out for this weekend against the Crows.”

Riewoldt remains a key contributor in his 17th season for the Saints, who are 10th with five wins and five losses.

Adelaide Oval hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Riewoldt or the Saints.

In six matches at the venue – three against Adelaide and three against Port Adelaide – St Kilda are yet to register a win, while Riewoldt was hospitalised after a sickening head clash with Crow Brodie Smith in 2015.