Dan Hannebery's successful comeback from repeated soft tissue injuries has sparked hope he can play a role for St Kilda in their AFL finals battle.

St Kilda won't ask Dan Hannebery to produce miracles but are confident the injury-plagued veteran can play a role in their fight for an AFL finals spot.

Hannebery impressed on Saturday in his first senior appearance of 2022, finishing with 27 disposals, five clearances and a goal in the Saints' 12-point win over Hawthorn.

The result improved their record to 11-8 ahead of a tough run home with matches against three of the top five teams - Geelong, Brisbane and Sydney - left to play.

Hannebery has managed just 16 games in four years with St Kilda since his big-money switch from the Swans because of repeated soft-tissue injuries.

But the 31-year-old's successful comeback has sparked renewed hope he can repay the Saints' faith.

"We don't need him (Hannebery) to do anything out of the ordinary," Ratten said.

"Whether he plays through the midfield or does something a little bit different, he just needs to be a part of it and bring his experience.

"That's what we're asking him to do; bring his experience and his voice and his calm head.

"That's what we want from him.

"We don't need him to get 40 touches or best-on-ground; we just need him to play his role and assist others."

Hannebery spent most of his comeback match on the wing and kicked an early goal courtesy of a fortuitous bounce over a Hawthorn defender's head.

The tough midfielder, who won a premiership with Sydney in 2012, admitted he was as nervous as he has ever been going into the match.

He also conceded there were times this season he thought his decorated career was just about over, having not played since round 23 last year.

"I'm certainly very happy and grateful to even get an opportunity to play another game because I love the game," Hannebery told Fox Footy.

Ratten was confident Hannebery would get through his comeback unscathed.

"I was excited for Dan to be back playing AFL footy," the coach said.

"That's what he's been crying out to do and he's done it tough.

"No one wants to be injured but for him to just get out there and play and be part of the game is great for him mentally."