St Kilda has confirmed that club legend Lenny Hayes will be returning to the Saints next season as an assistant coach, principally in charge of the midfield.

"St Kilda really means a lot to me so to be coming home feels really right. It feels good to be back in the colours and representing the club again," Hayes said in a club statement on Thursday.

"Being involved in grassroots footy over the past year really reaffirmed my love for the game and it coincided with an opportunity that felt too good to pass up.

"Something I’m really enthusiastic about is trying to help the players to maximise their growth, both as individuals and as a group. I think there’s an enormous amount of potential there so I can’t wait to roll up the sleeves and get started with that process.

"I’m looking forward to working under ‘Ratts’ (Senior Coach Brett Ratten), and alongside the other coaches, hopefully develop a program that’s going to help this group get the most out of themselves.

"I know the club, the coaches, players and supporters would have liked a different finish to the year but I see there is a lot of upside. To be back involved and help St Kilda work towards its second premiership is something I’m really excited to be a part of."

Having starred at St Kilda across 297 AFL games as a player, Hayes will officially return to commence his new role at the club in November.

After finishing his playing career in 2014, Hayes moved home to New South Wales and spent five seasons an an Assistant Coach at the GWS Giants.

In his time at the Giants, the club reached four finals appearances, including a grand final in 2019, but he departed at the end of 2020.

The Giants reportedly explored options for Hayes to return to coach in their Academy program, but Hayes has opted for an opening in the Saints' coaching group.

The Saints veteran compiled several individual accolades across his playing career, finishing with three All-Australian blazers, three Trevor Barker awards, a Norm Smith Medal and third place in the 2009 Brownlow medal.

He will work under head coach Brett Ratten, who has also signed a contract extension to remain at Moorabbin until the end of the 2024 season.