New midfield coach and returning club great Lenny Hayes is optimistic about seeing Hunter Clark flourish under his guidance in 2023.

Clark enters this pre-season off the back of two injury-interrupted campaigns, with a string of facial, shoulder and concussion setbacks hampering his development.

Despite attracting interest from North Melbourne during last month's Trade Period, the 23-year-old has the backing of three-time Best & Fairest Hayes to establish himself as a key component of the Saints’ mix.

“We’ve had a couple of conversations already and he’s really driven to have a good pre-season and get to work," Hayes told SEN Sportsday.

I think he’s got enormous upside and I can’t wait to get to work with him.

- Lenny Hayes

“He just needs a bit of luck. He’s got some attributes that will add a fair bit to the side – lateral movement and good (use) on both sides of his body – and we haven’t seen his full potential yet.” 

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RD7 | Clark's sensational solo effort fools them all

Hunter Clark produces a simply stunning individual goal, smothering a Hawk's kick and selling candy to perfection

Hayes will get his hands on an emerging crop of midfielders when the Saints’ one-to-four-year players commence official pre-season duties on Monday.

Academy graduates Marcus Windhager and Mitch Owens caught the eye of their new midfield coach during their debut seasons, with Hayes watching on with interest from his home in the Blue Mountains.

“I think they’re two pretty exciting guys along with (Nasiah) Wanganeen-Milera, who’s got beautiful foot skills and can do some classy things,” Hayes said.

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“I think there’s plenty to work with and with the draft coming up, hopefully we can get another few good young kids to come through.

“It’s a good blend of experience with a number of guys who’ve been there a while and those young guys coming through are going to add a bit and only get better.”

St Kilda's emerging brigade will be a key factor in its bid to establish a sustainable, winning culture under new Senior Coach Ross Lyon.

Lyon, Hayes and assistant coaches Robert Harvey and Corey Enright have been collaborating on the club's revised gameplan, which will be put into practice come Monday.  

“We want to build something that’s around long after we’re gone. We want to build something that’s sustainable," Hayes said.

“You look at clubs like Geelong and Sydney, who over a 20 or 30-year period are up there every year. That should be the goal of us as a club and I’m just excited that I’m in there now to drive the club and move it forward.”

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