The Saints leader has headed home to Melbourne to be with his wife, who recently gave birth to twin boys.

The trip leaves Ross in doubt for St Kilda's crucial game against Adelaide at Cairns this weekend.

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The Queensland state government granted the club an exemption to cross the border, but Ross' return to Melbourne in the midst of a lockdown adds complexities to the situation.

Tim Membrey, whose wife is expecting to give birth in the coming days, returned alongside Ross.

"Yeah, they headed home after the game on Saturday," Saints chief operating officer Simon Lethlean told SEN.

"So, they're not with us right now, and I guess unlikely to join us for this game this week, wherever that might be. If it's in Sydney, it's probably a bit easier, but if it's Cairns, it's probably unlikely.

"They've both headed back for various reasons. Their intention is to be home this week and not be playing because they've got family matters to deal with, and that's supported by us."

Meanwhile, fellow Rebels product Jarrod Berry is nearing a return for Brisbane.

The 23-year-old has been sidelined since round five with a persistent groin injury.

The latest timeframe from the Lions camp is one-to-two weeks, leaving Berry a chance to return after the bye this weekend.

Out west, in-form ruck Lloyd Meek is an almost certain inclusion for Fremantle.

The former Rebel kicked two goals and had 34 hit-outs in the WAFL at the weekend.

"We had some good performances at Peel, we feel like 'Meeky' (Lloyd Meek) is in good form at Peel, we will have to change the team up a little bit, but it's not that dire," Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said.

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