Saint Dan Hannebery could run out for his first AFL game this season this Saturday as he nears a return from a series of soft-tissue issues, per reports from afl.com.au.
The 31-year-old made the move to the Saints in 2019 after a successful career at Sydney, earning himself three All Australian nods, but has managed just 15 games in the red, black and white.
After a two game run in late 2021, Hannebery hasn't been sighted for the Saints since with the veteran undergoing calf surgery in March to try and quell the ongoing issues. The former Swan's VFL return earlier in the month was then delayed by league health and safety protocols.
Hannebery has impressed at the Saints during both of his VFL outings, finishing Sandringham's game against Port Melbourne on the weekend with 25 disposals and eight clearances after a 29 disposal game the week prior.
Now with both Jade Gresham and Jack Billings heading into Round 20 clash under an injury cloud in the must-win clash against the Hawks, Hannebery's late season inclusion is looming once more, for the potential fourth season in a row.
The Saints confirmed that both Gresham and Billings are waiting for further advice on their respective injuries after the duo failed to play out Round 19's win against the Eagles. Gresham copped a knock to his knee late in the game, while Billings was an early substitution out of the match in the first term with a back complaint.
Meanwhile, Dougal Howard is nearing a return to the senior side. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since Round 16's win over Carlton with a knee injury but is nearing a return to the main group, reportedly expected to miss just one more game.
Hannebery's potential inclusion to the side comes at a crucial time for the Saints, with the club sitting just outside the eight with just four rounds remaining.
The clash at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon will be the club's first test, before facing a difficult trip to GMHBA Stadium to take on Geelong the following week.