MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 27: Jack Steele of the Saints is tackled by Mitch Wallis of the Bulldogs during the 2017 AFL round 10 match between the Western Bulldogs and the St Kilda Saints at Etihad Stadium on May 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson has confirmed there will be three changes for Friday night's match against North Melbourne.

Young forward Paddy McCartin is out with a knee injury, while Nathan Wright will also miss due to a shoulder.

Meanwhile Richardson has also confirmed midfielder, Jack Steele, has been dropped from the side.

Steele has played every game so far this season, averaging 21 disposals, but had just 15 touches against Adelaide last weekend.

“It’s disappointing for Paddy - at one stage yesterday it looked like a chance to be something quite sinister,” Richardson said.

“But that scans have come back relatively positive, so we’re optimistic now that it might only be the week.

“There’s obviously still some bruising there and we think that will settle down pretty quickly.”

Veteran Nick Riewoldt will return to the side, while Luke Dunstan will come in for Steele.