Marshall has been out since injuring his foot against Geelong in round nine, but will be a welcome inclusion for the Saints' clash with reigning premiers Richmond at the MCG on Friday night.

The 25-year-old will again partner Paddy Ryder in the ruck, with the two talls having been crucial to the Saints' fortunes since the start of last year.

"(Marshall's) probably underdone, slightly, but he's a quality player and we need him to play," Ratten said.

"It's not just what that combination do in the ruck but what 'Row' and Paddy can do for Max as well.

"I think that helps our structure forward of the ball aad makes us more threatening and when you have those two down there it actually brings (Dan) Butler and (Jack) Higgins into the game as well."

King has been down on form and confidence since having a horror night in front of goals against the Cats, finishing with 1.6.

Marshall will be one of three vital St Kilda players to come back in following their capitulation to Adelaide in round 13 when they lost in the dying minutes after leading by 36 points during the second term.

Ace forward Tim Membrey will play against the Tigers, despite his wife Emily due to give birth to the couple's first child.

Membrey, as well as important midfielder Seb Ross, withdrew from the clash with the Crows to return to Melbourne as the Saints were on the road due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"They're at (Sandringham Hospital) now and hopefully everything's going smooth but I think there's a baby on the way," Ratten said.

Finalists last year, St Kilda have endured a difficult 2021 and find themselves slumped in 13th at 5-8.

The Saints were embarrassed by 86 points when they last met the Tigers in round five.

"For the second half we fell right away," Ratten said.

"To be beaten something like 10-0 in centre bounces in the third quarter, good luck trying to beat Richmond when you give that much territory.

"It really will start around the contest for us."

Australian Associated Press