St Kilda veteran Lenny Hayes has had cardiac surgery.

The Saints said the much-admired midfielder had a cardiac condition diagnosed at the start of the season, but chose to wait until the off-season for the corrective surgery.

“Lenny’s condition was successfully corrected during surgery in Melbourne last week and he is expected to make a full recovery ahead of pre-season training commencing in November,” Saints head of football Chris Pelchen said.

Hayes, 32, had an excellent season and will play on next year.