The tall defender hasn’t played since pulling up sore from the Saints’ round 18 clash with North Warrnambool Eagles.

He had initially hoped Koroit’s bye in the first week of finals would allow him to recover before they launched their campaign against Port Fairy in the second semi-final, but a flare-up saw him withdraw from that game.

“I’m feeling better every day that goes past,” McLaren said.

“I’ll train at 100 per cent both nights (this week) and see how it pulls up. If it feels like it does now, I’ll be right to play.”

McLaren said the Saints were “pretty confident” Taylor Mulraney would also be right to return for the grand final after he was a late withdrawal from Saturday’s preliminary final against Cobden.