St Kilda's gung-ho approach to the AFL season opener in Brisbane may have put midfield star Robert Harvey on the sideline with an injured ankle.

The Lions could also be without six first-choice players through suspension and injury for the Thursday night clash, while Collingwood is worried Alan Didak's knee injury could have him out for a significant slice of the season.

After two hammerings at the hands of the Lions at the Gabba late last year, the Saints launched themselves into fierce tackling drills.

Harvey's ankle gave out, defender Troy Schwarze copped a broken nose and utility Steven Baker a dislocated finger.

Harvey twice left the ground, hobbling off 15 minutes into the session and, after a brief return, 10 minutes before the end of the torrid 70-minute session.

Coach Grant Thomas played down Harvey's injury but admitted there was some doubt over the Brownlow medallist, the only current St Kilda player to have been a part of a winning side at the Gabba where the Saints have not won since 1991.

"He just tweaked an ankle," Thomas said.

"He came out and he was fine and I said `OK, if you're fine, go in and ice it and get ready'.

"There's always a slight doubt that something like that might blow up overnight, but if it doesn't blow up overnight and it stays as it is or gets better he'll be fine."

In better news, full-forward Fraser Gehrig completed the session and, having not played all pre-season because of back troubles, was ready to dish out some of his trademark ferocity. Schwarze was on the end of a fierce shirtfront.

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