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Hamstring tendon damage means St Kilda AFL recruit James Frawley is set to spend at least two months on the sidelines.

St Kilda have lost James Frawley for the first two months of the AFL season after scans confirmed the experienced recruit has suffered significant hamstring tendon damage.

Frawley, 32, limped from the field before quarter-time in the Saints' win over Carlton in a pre-season fixture last Thursday night.

Jake Carlisle and mature-aged recruit Tom Highmore are in contention to replace Frawley for the round-one fixture against GWS on March 21.

"This is hugely disappointing for James," St Kilda chief operating officer Simon Lethlean said.

"He's been moving really well over the pre-season, building strength back into his legs after a few niggles late last year.

"Surgery isn't an option for his specific injury, so James will work closely with our medical, and strength and conditioning teams throughout his rehab.

"We know he'll still have a huge influence on our group off the field as he recovers, however, we look forward to getting him back on the park somewhere around the bye."

Frawley, a Hawthorn premiership player and former Melbourne defender, backflipped on retirement plans to join St Kilda as a delisted free agent late last year.

He was given the Saints' No.24 jumper, worn by his famous uncle, the late Danny Frawley, in his early years at the club.

Tough midfielder Zak Jones (hamstring) is likely to return for St Kilda in round one, but fellow on-baller Dan Hannebery (calf) and ruckman Rowan Marshall (foot) have already been ruled out.