St Kilda convinced Dan Hannebery will vindicate its faith after promising finish to season

St Kilda is convinced it made the right call to recruit midfielder Dan Hannebery, adamant the former Swan can return to his best after an injury-interrupted start to life at Moorabbin.

Dan Hannebery is drenched after his first win as a Saint.

St Kilda says Dan Hannebery’s final month of football vindicated its contentious decision to secure him, adamant the club will play the long game with the talented midfielder.

Hannebery is recovering from a broken foot suffered when he stumbled on a set of stairs, the latest in a long list of injuries at St Kilda.

He will gradually increase his fitness base as St Kilda’s senior players return to the club on Monday for a time trial that will kick off their pre-season.

But St Kilda assistant coach Brendon Lade says any fan who watched his five games between Rounds 14-23 would have seen his massive potential.

Hannebery, who signed a five-year contract after crossing from Sydney, averaged 25 disposals and five clearances and kicked the ball beautifully, with the 28-year-old desperate to show he is not a spent force.

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Dan Hannebery in action against Richmond this season.

“It took a while to get his body right but we were really pleased with his last four of five games in the AFL,” Lade said.

“It probably solidified the decision to get him. He added another dimension. He wins the contested ball, his run and ball use was good as anyone, and his ability to get the ball out of congestion with his hands was a hallmark of his time at Sydney.

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“He adds a lot to our midfield and our group and just gives us another weapon to use.

“He will be back in full training around the start of December. He had a little setback but we understand these things happen. Hopefully we can get a really good January and February out of him.”

Dan Hannebery is drenched after his first win as a Saint.

Lade said Hannebery would again be a contender for the leadership group after stepping down this year to concentrate on his football.

“He just adds some energy and leadership around the group. That will be done in due course. The players sit down and nominate players and Ratts (coach Brett Ratten) has his say too about who is in the leadership group and how many.

“Jack Billings was upgraded this year and showed really good form and Zak Jones is a leader and so is Paddy Ryder so that’s exciting for our group to have players like that.”

Originally published as St Kilda convinced Dan Hannebery will vindicate its faith after promising finish to season