St Kilda’s slow start to the AFL season suffered a further blow on Monday with key forward Beau Maister ruled out for up to six weeks with a wrist injury.

Maister fractured his right wrist in Saturday’s 19.14 (128) to 13.13 (91) loss to Essendon, their third loss from four games this season.

The 27-year-old has been one of the few bright spots for the Saints, kicking seven goals in the opening month of the season.

St Kilda are currently placed 10th and face defending premiers Sydney in Wellington on Anzac Day.