St Kilda will begin its 2021 campaign without its top two ruckmen after veteran big man Paddy Ryder was granted personal leave by the club.
Ryder played a major role in St Kilda's rise up the latter last season, which culminated in an elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs, before suffering a hamstring injury.
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The 32-year-old will miss the opening rounds of the season to spend time with his family as well as elders within his community.
St Kilda CEO Simon Lethlean said Ryder had the club's "full support" to take some time away from the game.
"Family and community are a huge part of the culture and connection that we are building at the club," he said.
"When Paddy said he needed to take some time off for his health and well-being and reconnect with his family and culture, he had our full support to do so."
"2020 was difficult for many families, with border closures and restrictions impacting everyone differently.
"We look forward to Paddy returning after some time way, energised to attack the 2021 season and ready to contribute strongly to our on-field endeavours."
The decision to grant Ryder leave comes after the club's No.1 ruckman, Rowan Marshall, was also ruled out of the start of the season due to a hotspot in his foot.
The absence of the Ryder-Marshall tandem leaves the Saints with new recruit Shaun McKernan looming as the best ruck option for the opening rounds of the season, with rookie signing Paul Hunter also expected to make his debut.
Ryder and Marshall join a lengthy list of absentees for Brett Ratten's club to start the season, with Dan Hannebery (calf), James Frawley (hamstring), Jarryn Geary (fractured leg) and Brad Crouch (suspension) to also miss the opening weeks.
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