Injury-cursed veteran Dan Hannebery is "pretty keen to go again" in 2023, with the former Swan potentially needing to consider a spotย on the rookie list next season.
Hannebery made a successful return to AFL level on the weekend in the Saints' 12-point win over Hawthorn, his first appearance since Round 23 last season.
After two strong showings in the VFL for Sandringham, Hannebery was selected for the AFL side ahead of a must-win matchup against the Hawks.
The three-time All-Australian would finish with 27 disposals and a goal in the Saints' win, the side clinging onto eighth position on the ladder heading into Round 21.
Now at the end of a four-year deal, which he signed when he crossed from Sydney in 2018, Hannebery will be desperate to hold his spot in the 22 to finish the season strongly in order to play beyond 2022.
Hannebery had reportedly taken a pay cut ahead of this season, given his injury record, with the premiership player featuring just 16 times for the Saints in the past four seasons.
Speaking on Fox Footy'sย On the Couch, reporter Jon Ralph said that while Hannebery is eager to play on in 2023, a spot on the rookie list could be an avenue that sees him continue in the AFL season.
"Officially out of contract, pretty keen to go again - probably needs to make the next three weeks a winner," Ralph said.
"He funded his own trip over to 'Healing Hans' the German soft tissue expert...he's taken multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars pay cut.
"I think one possibility is if he gets through the year, you go onto the rookie list or spend a summer trying to train yourself up - and if you can get through it, it gives you another year as a summer rookie."
The Saints will head down the highway to face ladder-leaders Geelong this Saturday night at GMHBA Stadium, where the Saints will be desperate for four points, with both Richmond and the Bulldogs hot on their heels for a spot in the top eight.
