Daniel ‘Hanners’ Hannebery
Since knocking Brock McLean over in a stoush in his first game of AFL football, Hannebery has refused to take a backwards step.
Drafted by the Sydney Swans at the surprisingly low pick of Number 30 in the 2008 draft, Hannebery was starting Year 12, and so remained in Melbourne to complete his studies. Training with the Swans during school holidays however led to a surprise call up to the Senior team when Roos was impressed by his performances and attitude in both training and in Reserves matches.
Arguably a little over-awed by the occasion, Hannebery amassed merely 6 possessions in his debut against Carlton in Round 16 of 2009, however, he held his place for the rest of the season, gathering 18 classy disposals against Melbourne in a close win the following week, where he was again involved in a fiery encounter with an opposition player, which proved the spirit and fight in the young player.
In 2010, Hannebery announced himself to the competition. In his finest year to date, Hannebery won the Rising Star Award for the year, the first Swans player to do so since the illustrious Adam Goodes. Racking up such numbers as 27 disposals against North Melbourne in Round 4, and a career high 38 against Freemantle in Round 20, Hannebery’s classy performances contributed to the new generation of Swans stars that emerged over 2010. Not only was he proving himself as a ball getter, but he also proved his worth in front of goal, slotting three majors against Hawthorn in Round 10, as well as a long range effort from outside 50 that almost clawed the Swans across the line in a maximum-Brownlow vote getting performance in a losing side, no small effort for a 19 year old.
2011 was more of a consolation year than a progression, which was slightly disappointing for Swans fans after his superb performances in 2010. Shoulder injuries played a part in diminishing his presence in the team, as well as his disposal efficiency, which dropped off in 2011. Nevertheless, his role as a ball getter continued with such numbers as 27 against Hawthorn in Round 9, and 30 against the Western Bulldogs in Round 18.
Hannebery wears the number 4 perhaps most famously worn by the big Plugger Lockett, and it is no doubt that he embodies some of the fiery passion of the big man, as demonstrated in a number of instances across his short career. Hannebery has class written all over him, and will continue to progress with the Swans in 2012 as he steps up to take a larger role in the Swans midfield.
Player Review submitted by Stat_Machine
