Bereaved St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt says he’s still working through the physical and mental pain from the recent loss of his sister.

Riewoldt’s sister Madeleine passed away a month ago after fighting aplastic anaemia; a rare blood disease.

The Saints skipper spent two weeks away from the club and missed all three NAB Challenge matches as he grieved with his family.

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

“We’re just a normal family,” he said.

“I just want to thank everyone for their support and privacy over the last month … footy’s a great fraternity to be a part of.

“I’d ask for (privacy) to continue because it’s still pretty raw and pretty difficult to talk about.”

Riewoldt has resumed training with the Saints ahead of their round one meeting with the GWS Giants on April 5.

The 32-year-old is the AFL’s longest-serving captain, having led the Saints since 2007.

The respected leader acquitted himself admirably on Wednesday ahead of the AFL season launch, appearing alongside the league’s other captains at a media event.

With his grief still palpable, Riewoldt could easily have shirked the occasion.

But the six-time club champion was keen to represent his club, as it appears he will in round one.

Riewoldt seems likely to play in the season-opener, should he clear two hurdles set by the club to prove his readiness.

“At the end of the day I’m a footballer and I’m preparing as best I can,” he said.

“It’s been great to get back amongst the boys and work hard.

“I’ve still got some boxes I need to tick from a physical and mental preparation side of it.

“But I’m on track.”

Without any pre-season matches under his belt, Riewoldt said he could rely on training sessions that have increased in intensity over the summer.

“The last week has been pretty tough, pretty solid,” he said.

“It’s building towards round one.”