MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 15: Dan Hannebery running a hard lap with teammates during a St Kilda Saints AFL Media Opportunity at Moorabbin Oval on November 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
St Kilda's star recruit Dan Hannebery was forced to undergo hamstring scans after complaining of tightness this week.
While the examination showed no damage, the 27-year-old has been eased off training with hamstring awareness.
It comes after a heavy block of running prior to Christmas, with the former Swan joining in training early with the clubs first-to-fourth year players in the first week of November.
The triple All-Australian who arrived at Moorabbin on a lucrative five-year contract has put his body to the test in pre-season after several injury complaints in recent years.
Hannebery's injury woes began in 2016 when he sustained a knee injury in the 2016 Grand Final. He then carried a groin complaint through 2017 before suffering a calf setback ahead of 2018 when he increased his running loads.
Separate groin and calf injuries in-season then hampered his 2018, when he averaged just 18.7 disposals in 15 matches in comparison to 2016 when he went at 30.9 touches a game.
Unveiled in the No. 10 at the Saints last month, a leaner Hannebery admitted that he "had a point to prove" to his critics.
Coach Alan Richardson was glowing in his praise of his new midfielder when speaking at the club's annual general meeting on Tuesday night.
"He couldn't have been more impressive so far," Richardson said.
"He's a real leader, he's quite an inspirational person.
"He's had a couple of years, particularly last year (2018) where he's been a little bit banged up but we're really confident we're going to get the best of Dan.
"We know the best of Dan was elite in the competition."