Saints lose AFL rising star Long to injury

The hits keep coming for AFL strugglers St Kilda, who now have lost rising star Ben Long to injury.

The forward suffered a fractured metatarsal in his right foot during Sunday's loss to Melbourne.

It will put round-five Rising Star nominee will be out of action for up to 10 weeks.

Long was a standout in the round-five draw with GWS and he also kicked two goals in Sunday's loss, which left the Saints languishing third-last on the ladder.

But he pulled up sore from the Melbourne match and was diagnosed with the fracture.

"Ben has been one of our most in-form players over the first seven rounds and has really cemented his place in our best 22," Saints football manager Simon Lethlean told the club website.

His injury is particularly worrying because their attack is one of the Saints' biggest problems.

Key forward Paddy McCartin also suffered whiplash during Sunday's match and is in doubt for Saturday night's match against Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

Sam Gilbert (ankle) and Shane Savage (corked thigh) were also hurt against the Demons.