THE doubters have said that Aaron Hamill might never play football again. Yesterday, the one-time St Kilda captain who has been consistently betrayed by his body took a significant step towards another return by completing all but a small portion of a training session.

It was the 29-year-old's first competitive workout since his right knee was operated on over summer.

The delight of his teammates was visible and audible. When Hamill completed a simple end-to-end running drill, receiving a handball and then dishing one off, he was first cheered and then physically encouraged by as many players as could get their hands on him.

"Today was terrific for him," club football manager Ken Sheldon said last night.

"It's a gradual progression and it's good to see the spring in his step and the smile on his face."

He tired visibly as yesterday's session progressed, puffing towards the end, but was typically competitive throughout.

"There's some conditioning of his muscles that he has to endure and that takes time," Sheldon said.

Though he is still listed as being out indefinitely on St Kilda's injury list, Hamill has set himself to return after the June split round in a match that would be his first since September last year and just his 22nd since the beginning of 2005.

This week, St Kilda faces the team that its coach Ross Lyon thinks is "probably" the best in the competition — Geelong.

And, as if on cue ahead of the meeting with the AFL's most prolific scoring side, full-back Max Hudghton could top a list of as many as six inclusions to the St Kilda line-up.

Jason Gram, a different kind of defender but no less important to the Saints' make-up, would also be welcomed back if he passes a fitness test tomorrow, as would Leigh Montagna, who a little over a week ago was written off until at least round 12 after breaking his jaw.

"We'll have a few fitness tests late in the week on Gram, Montagna, Xavier Clarke, Hudghton, Raph Clarke. (They) will probably be available, but they'll have to get through two sessions and then we'll make that final decision," Lyon said.

"There's a balance … you wouldn't want to bring too many back but you love to get that sort of quality, particularly in the run, back into your team. And a full-back would be nice."

Andrew Thompson is also on the list of possible returns.

Hudghton's only senior appearance this year was in round two when he injured a quadriceps muscle that has bothered him ever since.

Montagna, having sat out last week's match against Fremantle with a facial fracture, which has since been operated on, was now "a very good chance" to return much sooner than expected.

"Apparently there's no risk at all and he could run into a Mack truck. But it's about how he feels," Lyon said.

Lyon described Geelong, which the Saints have built a healthy rivalry with in recent years, as "probably the best team in the competition".

"They've obliterated a couple of teams, and their defence is outstanding. They're the No. 1 attack, they're very experienced — they're a group that's been together eight years probably, or six years."

The Cats are the league's best attacking side, while St Kilda — even with its elite collection of (fit) forwards — is ranked 15th.

Lyon was certain his players would not be disturbed by the announcement during the week that the club planned to uproot from its Moorabbin base.

"Obviously as a player you have some interest but, I mean, we've got a really pointy focus, and that's to beat probably the best team in the competition come Sunday — Geelong. I don't think they're going to be distracted about what ifs and maybes about facilities for too long," Lyon said.