Veteran St Kilda midfielder Lenny Hayes was knocked out and stretchered from the field early in Friday’s AFL practice match against Collingwood.

He was taken to hospital for observation, but the Saints reported that he was back at Visy Park by halftime.

Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell also limped from the field during the second term with what appeared to be an injury to his right ankle.

Hayes was trying to tackle Tyson Goldsack early in the first quarter when he suffered a blow to the head, which appeared to be accidental contact.

He immediately dropped to the ground and play was stopped for several minutes while Saints medical staff attended to the onballer.

The 32-year-old missed nearly all of last season with a knee reconstruction.

He made his comeback at the start of the pre-season competition.

Maxwell was still off the field after halftime with his injury.

This weekend marks the last round of AFL pre-season games.