St Kilda ruckman Michael Gardiner has suffered another injury setback, with a hamstring strain further delaying his AFL comeback.

Gardiner is yet to play this season because of a persistent knee problem.

Coach Ross Lyon said the knee was now healed, but this latest injury means he is another fortnight away from resuming.

"It flattens you as an AFL player, you think you're getting there and you'll play in two weeks, then you get that tweak," Lyon said.

The Saints coach made it clear he wants Gardiner back in the senior line-up as soon as possible.

"He's been instrumental in the last few years for us and ruckmen are coming right into vogue because clearances are so important," Lyon said.

"When I think of us at our most dominant, we had (retired ruckman Steven) King and Gardiner dominating the taps, we were just on the front foot.

"You just see the importance of (Collingwood's Darren) Jolly and Essendon (with Tom) Bellchambers - Ben (McEvoy) is growing though, he's working his hardest and it doesn't come overnight."

The Saints dropped ruckmen Justin Koschitzke and Rhys Stanley on Thursday, with Lyon saying earlier in the day the experiment of three big men against Brisbane last week had not worked.

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