St Kilda have been forced to rule small forward Dan Butler out for the rest of the season due to elbow surgery.
Butler was confirmed to miss this week's trip to Geelong due to the ailment that was sustained in Round 18, with the ex-Tiger seeing a specialist to learn the extent of his latest setback.
A decision was made for the veteran Saint to go under the knife, with Butler undergoing an operation on his hampered elbow on Thursday.
The procedure brings an end to Butler's sixth season in the red, white and black after just six games and seven goals.
His omission will open the door for a handful of fringe Saints players, with coach Ross Lyon's selection planning buoyed by a strong VFL win last weekend.
The Saints coach highlighted senior pair Zaine Cordy and Zak Jones, as well as young contingent Alex Dodson, Darcy Wilson and Arie Schoenmaker, as some of Sandringham's top performers in the win.
"Dislocated elbow, had an operation last night, he's out for the year," Lyon said of Butler. "He'll get into rehab.
"We'll look at training today (for his replacement). Sandringham had a great win, won by 10 goals against Sydney.
"A lot of our young players and senior players like Cordy and Jones, Wiklson and Schoenmaker stood up, so that was really good for us.
"Dodson had a BOG as a ruckman, so we're thrilled with it."
Butler was the only confirmed omission from the side that fell to Sydney last weekend.
The Saints had named Jones, Wilson, Schoenmaker and Ryan Byrnes as their potential inclusions to take on the Cats on Sunday, with at least two changes to be made to their side from last week.
St Kilda have also confirmed Hugo Garcia (wrist) won't face the Cats, with rookie flanker Tobie Travaglia brought into the extended squad in his place as another option for Lyon to add.
Hugo Garcia (wrist) has been removed from our extended squad to take on the Cats, with Tobie Travaglia taking his place. The final starting 23 will be announced at 5:00pm AEST.
โ St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) July 18, 2025
All five potential inclusions, plus Alix Tauru and Hugh Boxshall, have been named on the extended bench, which will be reduced to four players at 5:00pm (AEST) on Friday.
The Saints and Cats will confirm their final sides an hour prior to Sunday's 1:10pm bounce at Kardinia Park.
