ST KILDA recruit Dan Hannebery has emerged unscathed from his first game for the year for Sandringham in the VFL.
Hannebery has battled calf and hamstring issues that have kept him on the sidelines all season, but he made the first step towards his St Kilda debut with a run in the VFL on Saturday.
The 28-year-old was prolific in the first half, amassing 19 disposals and kicking a behind.
Dan Hannebery dishes off a handball in traffic. Picture: Getty Images
After a quieter third term, Hannebery was put on ice and did not play in the final quarter.
But he still finished with an impressive 24 disposals, five tackles and 0.1.
The Saints want him to play a full game, according to coach Alan Richardson, before considering him for selection. Sandringham has a bye next week.
"The plan is, it was about 90 minutes today, and then build up to four quarters," Richardson said.
"He'll have a strong training session, as will the group on Sunday, then see how he feels, how he's performing and we'd be pretty keen to get him in whenever he's right, but we've got to make sure he's right."
Hannebery did not take long to get into the contest, racking up four touches in the opening 10 minutes before coming to the bench for a rub down from the physio.
Dan Hannebery saw plenty of the ball in his VFL return. Picture: Getty Images
While he looked rusty at times, Hannebery was not afraid to throw his body around or make his presence felt, issuing instructions to his teammates on the field and from the bench.
The former Swan also showed he has lost none of his polish, setting up a Sandringham shot on goal in the second quarter after a precise kick into the corridor from the wing.
St Kilda's prized draftee Max King also put in an impressive performance, kicking 3.3 as Sandringham ran out 10–point winners against Coburg.
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Speaking after the game, Hannebery said his body was feeling "pretty good" with no real niggles to be concerned about.
"It was always a plan to play three quarters so it was good to get through," Hannebery said.
"I was a bit rusty early but it was nice to have a run around.
"When you've been watching on the sidelines for the best part of three or four months, you're a little bit nervy but it's good to be back out there."
Hannebery said he was unsure when he will get the chance to make his long-awaited St Kilda debut, but admitted he was still at least a few weeks away.
"I got through this game pretty well. Unfortunately, there's a bye next week for both leagues which is frustrating, but I'll get a solid week of training in and re-assess in the next week or two," he said.
"My gut feel is at least another one or so games in the VFL but we'll wait and see."
