St Kilda AFL injury merry-go-round continues

And while their injury run has continued, with Jimmy Webster suffering a broken hand and Jack Bytel in hospital on a drip after a leg cut, they at least welcome back veteran Ross to the midfield.

Exciting teen Windhager, who broke his right hand during a practice match early this month, has been named as an emergency and could return as the substitute.

Saints coach Ross Lyon said he hadn't watched a lot of the 19-year-old, but liked what he had seen.

"He's one of our best runners," Lyon said.

"There was big raps on him when he came through but I haven't got a lot of coaching capital with him because we only had the two practice games and he got injured in the first one within the first five minutes.

"But his run and his versatility speaks volumes."

The Bulldogs were shocked by a 50-point loss to Melbourne in round one but Lyon felt it said more about the Demons than their opponents.

The Bulldogs will be without star recruit Rory Lobb and gun midfielder Adam Treloar against St Kilda because of injuries.

Jason Johannisen and Mitch Hannan have been dropped, while Hayden Crozier, Rhylee West and Riley Garcia have been recalled.

"One hundred per cent they will be smarting," Lyon said of the Bulldogs.

"I watched it and they (Bulldogs) were in it but Melbourne can do that to anyone - you don't need much to go wrong against them for the scoreboard to blow out.

"We're preparing for the best Western Bulldogs, which has us on edge but we want to lean into the challenge again." 

Lyon was delighted with his team's effort to over-run his former club Fremantle and will not be looking for any injury excuses at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

The Saints will again send out youngsters Mattaes Phillipou and Anthony Caminiti, who impressed on debut.

"Our young forwards were under a lot of pressure, the key forwards had seven games between them but they held up well with some quality support," Lyon said.

"We've certainly got no excuse there."