HAWTHORN has confirmed former St Kilda and Sydney defender Sean Dempster will join the club in a strength and conditioning role. 

The 33-year-old, who announced his retirement in April, will work closely with the Box Hill players and rehabilitation group.

Football manager Jason Burt said the courageous defender would be a valuable asset to the club.

"Sean built a career that spanned over 200 games and included a premiership and an All Australian selection, so he certainly knows what it takes to make it at the elite level," Burt said.

"His knowledge and experience, both from his time in the game and his exposure to strength and conditioning programs, will be incredibly valuable for our players.

"We're really excited to bring a fresh outlook into our strength and conditioning team and are thrilled to have him on board."

Dempster played 54 games in three seasons at the Swans, including the 2005 premiership, before he was traded to St Kilda ahead of the 2008 season.

He played 168 games for the Saints before announcing his retirement at the start of the 2017 season due to concerns over head knocks.