He’s home.

Lenny Hayes, one of the Saints’ favourite sons, is officially coming back to the club he starred for across 297 AFL games, taking charge of St Kilda's midfield group as Assistant Coach.

After retiring in 2014, Hayes relocated to his native state of New South Wales to spend five seasons as an Assistant Coach at Greater Western Sydney.

During this time, he helped steer the Giants to four finals appearances, including a maiden Grand Final berth in 2019 and successive preliminary finals appearances in 2016 and 2017, before departing at the end of 2020 to spend more time with his family.

Hayes said he was thrilled to return to the Saints ahead of the club’s 150^th year.

“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.

“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.”

The revered Saint ended his playing career as one of the most accomplished footballers of the modern era with three All-Australian blazers, three Trevor Barker awards, a Norm Smith Medal and two seasons as captain, with his league-wide standing acknowledged with a place in the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

In returning to St Kilda, Hayes will be reunited with Jack Steele, having coached the Saints skipper during his time at GWS.

“We are thrilled and very proud to have Lenny join St Kilda as an Assistant Coach,” Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean said.

“Lenny is one of the most admired and respected players to ever pull on the Saints jumper, but his reputation as a fierce competitor extends far beyond this club.

“For many fans, having Lenny returning to St Kilda will be pretty special, but it’s his coaching skills and football acumen that led us to this appointment. Lenny brings with him relentless standards and an uncompromising will to succeed, which will only help to further shape our program.

“His knowledge of the club’s past alongside his industry experience will be a of great value to not only our midfield group, but our list as a whole.”

“We look forward to welcoming Lenny, wife Tara and sons Hunter and Jacob back to the club this coming pre-season and wish them all the best as they embark on this new chapter back in Victoria.”

Hayes will officially commence in his role in November.