St Kilda defender Max Hudghton says selection pressure created by the AFL club's current depth is a factor that was missing heading into previous failed finals campaigns.

Several star players are expected to return to the unbeaten side for Sunday's clash with Essendon.

All seven players who were surprise omissions for last weekend's match against Hawthorn - Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard, Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo, Sam Fisher and Steven Baker - trained with the main group on Wednesday.

Defender Sam Gilbert, who has missed the past two matches, also took part in the session.

The potential return of numerous big names will create an interesting selection meeting ahead of the Bombers match, given the Saints were so impressive in downing the Hawks in their absence.

But Hudghton said the fight for spots was all positive.

"We've got nearly a full healthy list, so you can't fit 40-plus players into 22," he said.

"So there's going to be guys that are desperate week in, week out, guys who are going to be unlucky, everything else.

"But at the end of the day we have to look at it as a team and the contributors who don't play in the team week in, week out, play a valuable role in putting pressure on the team to perform.

"So you can only say it's a healthy thing from that perspective, because it puts internal pressure on and guys aren't a walk-up start.

"There's been years here when guys have been walk-up starts, and what's happened?

"The club probably hasn't performed on the biggest stage and that's September."

Meanwhile, Hudghton, who turns 33 in September, said he had not decided whether he would play beyond this season.

"You'll sit down and assess it when the time's right once again, so whether my career ends this year or next year or whenever it's not a decision that's been made by myself or the footy club at this stage," he said.

"Obviously it's in the back of your mind, but we're really concentrating on the time right now rather than any other time."

He was unsure how a premiership might affect his decision.

"I'm not really wanting to look that far ahead at the moment," he said.

"You may find it hard to believe, but it's the God-honest truth.

"At the end of the day, (a premiership) is a dream that you do dream of, but it's not an issue for me at this stage."

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