St Kilda great Danny Frawley has turned his back on an offer from Hawthorn and will join St Kilda as a part-time coach working with the team's defenders.

Frawley, 51, will work with the Saints three days a week, having long wanted to play a role at a club where he forged a reputation as one of the finest fullbacks of his era.

Returning to his home club: Danny Frawley. Credit:Angela Milne

The Saints confirmed Frawley's appointment in a statement on Monday morning.

Frawley "will assist the Saints backline coach and use his extensive coaching experience to help advise St Kilda's tall defenders and forwards as well as the St Kilda coaching staff and the Saints Player Academy", the statement read.