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Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke raring to go

Sam Edmund | February 26, 2009 12:00am


ST KILDA could yet have valuable twin towers Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke back in action before Round 1.

The Saints yesterday confirmed Koschitzke and midfield general Lenny Hayes would play their first games of the year in tomorrow's practice match against the Western Bulldogs at Visy Park.

And in a welcome sight for the Saints, Riewoldt yesterday returned to full training after surgery a month ago to drain a cyst in his left knee.

The captain moved well during a lengthy session at Moorabbin, skipping only one drill to raise hopes he will play at least one warm-up match before confronting Sydney at Telstra Dome on March 28 in the season-opener.
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Gritty tagger Steven Baker will also play against the Bulldogs after finally overcoming the lingering knee injury that wrecked his 2008 season.

St Kilda assistant coach Stephen Silvagni said the Saints were expecting a serious output from Koschitzke against the Dogs.

"It's always good to have one of your key position players back, obviously with Nick not being there," Silvagni said.

"Kosi has had a fantastic pre-season so he should go in with a fair bit of confidence and we're looking for a solid performance out of him."

Silvagni said Baker, who hasn't played a senior game since Round 7 last year, would be kept on a tight leash tomorrow.

"I'm sure he'd be looking forward to the game. The last 12 months have been difficult for Steve," Silvagni said.

"He's obviously coming off his knee injury, but he's done most of the pre-season.

"We'll probably ease him into the game, but I'm sure he'd be keen to get out there and get through it."