Experienced midfielder Hannebery is pushing his case to return after successful rehabilitation from hamstring surgery in July.

He has rejoined his teammates this week after completing a quarantine stint on the Gold Coast, where he trained under the watchful eye of Saints physiotherapist Andrew Wallis.

Hannebery last week flagged a return for the first week of finals, if the Saints qualify, but coach Brett Ratten was more bullish on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old left-footer is "more likely than unlikely" for Friday night's crucial fixture at the Gabba and shapes as a valuable inclusion.

"He's probably done a little bit more work earlier, being in the hub and having the opportunity to have more one-on-one (time with Wallis) and training more specifically on certain things," Ratten said.

"Hub life's probably been good for him and he's done a hell of a lot of work, so I think his numbers will stack up pretty well.

"It's a risk, but it looks like a risk that we're taking."

Prolific midfielder Jones strained a hamstring last week during the Saints' defeat to West Coast, which left their hopes of a first finals appearance since 2011 hanging in the balance.

The former Sydney star missed one match with a similar injury in July and is only expected to sit out the GWS clash this time around, with a bye before the finals giving him extra time to get back.

"It's very similar to the other one that he had and I think he'll be right for that first final, if we can get there," Ratten said.

"He'll miss a couple of weeks but that's probably a reason to even consider (Hannebery's selection) more."

Luke Dunstan is also in the mix to replace Jones after overcoming a pectoral injury and featuring in reserves practice matches this month.

Australian Associated Press