St Kilda believe one of the club's great wins of modern times might kickstart an ambitious tilt at reaching the AFL finals in 2007.

The Saints sit in 12th spot and with a low percentage will likely need to win eight of their last 10 games to make the top eight.

But they remain hopeful Sunday's stirring win over West Coast in Robert Harvey's milestone game can provide inspiration for weeks to come.

St Kilda football manager Ken Sheldon said the club was hopeful of building on the performance at Subiaco, where the Saints inspired in Harvey's 350th game and kept alive their remote finals aspirations.

Sheldon said the road trip had reinvigorated the Saints' season, ahead of what is now a big game against resurgent Richmond.

"Absolutely. There is no question football clubs are a lot better places to be around when you're winning," he said.

"There is a different vibe, no question of that.

"It's been a lean month for us and we had a terrific outcome on the weekend after the break, so it could be quite easily seen as a launching pad.

"But we're five (wins) and seven (losses) and next week, if we get the process right hopefully the outcome will see us (move to) six and seven."

Although there is no talk of reaching the finals - publicly anyway - Sheldon said the 23-point defeat of the reigning premier had excited a lot of Saints fans after four previous losses.

"It presents us with an opportunity to launch very positively," he said.

"The facts are we're five and seven, so we're in the race."

In a further sign that the wheel might have finally turned for St Kilda, three key players could this weekend make their returns from long-term injuries and provide coach Ross Lyon with a glut of reinforcements in coming weeks.

Tough forward Aaron Hamill, centre half-back Matt Maguire and ex-Eagles ruckman Michael Gardiner, who is yet to play a game for the Saints, could all return via the VFL this weekend, while full-forward Fraser Gehrig is also close to a comeback.

Hamill has not played this season because of a chronic knee problem, Gardiner has been sidelined by groin and foot injuries, Maguire played in round one but has been out since with stress fractures, while a broken hand kept Gehrig out of the Perth trip.

Sheldon said Hamill, Maguire and Gardiner would be considered for comebacks with the Casey Scorpions, and could provide the Saints with competition for players in the rounds to come.

"They'll be managed back into full tempo and this week will hopefully see all three on the park for a period," he said.

"They're the genuine item as players, so if you're in the side you'd be maybe wanting to do more of the team things and do everything right to ensure you stayed there."

Gehrig will be assessed later in the week.

The Saints will give the Tigers a two-day start for Saturday night's game, but Sheldon said there was no fear about a physical or emotional let down.

"You have to be mindful of it, but it's part of being in the national competition," he said.

"It (the shorter break) doesn't spring any surprises and they'll manage themselves accordingly."

© 2009 AAP
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