Big-money St Kilda recruit Tom De Koning faces a delayed start to his first pre-season at Moorabbin after suffering a calf strain.

7NEWS understands De Koning will be restricted to an individual program prior to Christmas.

De Koning, who joined the Saints on a mega eight-year deal in October, has joined the Saints’ younger cohort for gym sessions in recent weeks.

However, it’s expected the 26-year-old won’t integrate with the full program when his senior teammates return to training on Monday.

The Saints will be extra cautious with their prized signing, with time on their side ahead of the club’s season opener on March 8.

It’s expected De Koning will partner Rowan Marshall in the new-look ruck combination after the incumbent big man was denied a move to Geelong during the Trade Peri

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