PRIZED St Kilda recruit Dan Hannebery was forced to undergo hamstring scans after complaining of tightness this week.
AFL.com.au understands that 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 club's first-to-fourth-year players in the first week of November.
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This pre-season looms as a massive test for the triple All Australian who arrived at Moorabbin on a lucrative five-year contract after several injury complaints in recent years.
After sustaining a knee injury in the 2016 Grand Final, Hannebery 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 to look a shadow of his 2016 year where he went at 30.9 touches a game.
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Unveiled in the No.10 at the Saints last month, a leaner Hannebery admitted 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."
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Richardson also revealed he had walked a lap of RSEA Park at training with boom draftee Max King on Monday to dampen his expectations of early matches, still recovering from an ACL injury.
Other Saints on modified programs prior to Christmas include captain Jarryn Geary (knee), Dean Kent (shoulder), Billy Longer (ankle) and No.41 pick Jack Bytel (back).
