St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy will require knee surgery and is set to miss up to six weeks of AFL action.

The Saints announced before Saturday night’s match against Hawthorn that McEvoy suffered an injury late in the week at training.

“Scans have indicated some loose cartilage which will require an arthroscope on Monday morning,” they said in a statement.

“It is anticipated that Ben will miss four-to-six weeks.”

The Saints made the unusual move of including all their three emergencies for the MCG clash against the Hawks.

Apart from McEvoy’s injury, they also left out key position player Beau Wilkes and onballer Jason Cripps.

Justin Koschitzke, Ahmed Saad and Dean Polo took their places in the side.

Koschitzke was a surprise emergency after serving a one-week suspension.