St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt will train with his team-mates this week, adding to the build-up for Friday's AFL grand final rematch against Geelong.

Up to three key Cats will also return to the side for the MCG blockbuster, the first time the two sides have clashed since their classic grand final last September.

Geelong won by 12 points and are again on top of the ladder, while the Saints are a game and percentage behind in second.

Channel Seven have announced they will broadcast the game live, the second time this year they designated a Friday night match as a special event.

They did the same for Geelong's big win over Collingwood in round nine.

Riewoldt is not expected back for another month, but returning to team training will be another important milestone in his return from injury.

The Saints' best player needed surgery when he tore his right hamstring tendon just before halftime of the round-three win over Collingwood.

St Kilda have been outstanding in Riewoldt's absence, winning their last four games, but Geelong are on a seven-game winning streak.

Geelong have been in the last three grand finals for two premierships and remain the AFL's benchmark team.

The Cats will definitely regain key defender Matthew Scarlett from a hamstring injury, while Cameron Mooney (ankle) is also expected back.

Midfielder Joel Corey is close to being ready after being out since round four with a knee injury, but he might have to wait one more week.

St Kilda and Geelong were unbeaten when they had a much-anticipated clash in round 14 last year.

It lived up to the hype, with the Saints beating Geelong by six points on the way to finishing minor premiers.

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