ST KILDA'S injury-prone ruckman, Michael Gardiner, is today expected to return from a long stint on the sidelines in the VFL with Sandringham against the Northern Bullants at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

Gardiner, who has been hampered by a chronic knee injury and hamstring problems since last year's grand final, was set to make a comeback a fortnight ago but was ruled out with hamstring soreness.

The Saints are confident that Gardiner, who has been to Europe for treatment this season, will only need one match in the VFL before returning to senior level.

He hasn't played a senior match since last year's drawn grand final. He missed the grand final replay through injury.

Gardiner, 32, has been named in the ruck and is expected to push to play the whole game against the Bullants. If he gets through unscathed, it will be a massive boost for the Saints' hopes of making the finals.

Saints utility Jason Blake will also resume from a knee injury for the Zebras today. Blake injured the knee a fortnight ago against Collingwood in the VFL.

Steven Baker and Robert Eddy are among other players from last year's grand final team named for Sandringham today. Rhys Stanley also returns from a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Williamstown will take on East Perth in a Foxtel Cup semi-final today at Etihad Stadium.

The winner will go through to the first Foxtel Cup grand final. Williamstown will take up to 16 Western Bulldogs-listed players into the match.