Injured St Kilda forward Stephen Milne's return trip from Subiaco will finally come to an end when he arrives in Melbourne tonight by train.

- Fractured cheekbone
- 'Sick of travelling'
- Awaiting surgery

Milne was prevented from flying back with his team after fracturing his cheekbone in Sunday's win against Fremantle. He left Perth by car with club doctor Denis Campbell on Monday and caught a train from Adelaide this morning.

Luke Ball, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, received a text message from Milne today.

"I got a text from him saying he was on the train and sick of travelling," Ball said.

"We're expecting him back tonight and he'll be back to his normal self before too long."

Ball said Milne, who played on despite the injury, was in "pretty good spirits" and his courage in finishing the game had not gone unnoticed by teammates.

"It sets a standard for the rest of the group and shows you can play through adversity," he said.

Milne will have surgery in Melbourne and the club hopes he will only miss Sunday's game against Adelaide, which is also shaping as a home-town tribute to retiring veteran Robert Harvey.

Ball is stepping up his training and hopes to be available for the round 22 game against Essendon.

"I'm coming along pretty well, had great support of the physios at the club, but this time of year it's pretty frustrating to be sitting back watching," he said.