Jack Billings' latest setback has sparked fears his tenure at Moorabbin has already seen his final game in the red, white and black transpired.
Billings, a restricted free agent, is set to miss the next few weeks of action after sustaining a hamstring strain at training this week.
The injury places the remainder of Billings' 2021 campaign in doubt, especially if the Saints fail to land a top-eight placing by the end of the home and away season.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
With just three matches remaining, the Saints sit in 13th on the ladder and four points outside of a finals spot, with Billings now tipped to miss upcoming games against the Swans and Cats, as well as being in an uphill battle to face Fremantle in Round 23.
Contract discussions between Billings and the Saints are still ongoing, meaning Friday's loss to Carlton may have been his 144th and final game with St Kilda should a new deal fail to eventuate.
Billings is understood to be keen to remain at Moorabbin, with that feeling mutual from St Kilda, however agreed terms are yet to be seen as talks progress between the two parties.
Should a rival suitor offer the former Oakleigh Charger a substantial offering the Saints won't look to compete with, Billings could land at a new club and leave the Saints with compensation - a similar scenario that saw Brad Crouch depart Adelaide for St Kilda last year.
Billings joins the likes of Seb Ross, Luke Dunstan, Jake Carlisle, Jarryn Geary and Darragh Joyce in being out-of-contract at St Kilda this season.
The Saints onballer is one of only four restricted free agents remaining this season, with Giants superstar Josh Kelly, Crows midfielder Matt Crouch and Swans utility George Hewett also falling into the category.
