St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt says he’s on track to play in the Saints’ round one AFL clash against Greater Western Sydney after taking time out of the game following a family bereavement.

Riewoldt’s sister Madeleine passed away a month ago after fighting aplastic anaemia.

The Saints skipper spent two weeks away from the club and missed all three NAB Challenge matches.

Riewoldt said he was “hanging in there” as he dealt with the death, but thanked the club and AFL community for their support.

“Footy’s a great fraternity to be a part of,” he said.

Riewoldt said he still had some “mental and physical” boxes to tick before making a definitive call on his availability for round one, but believed he should be ready to play against the Giants on April 5.