Hannebery loves AFL inside work for Swans

Sydney AFL midfield dynamo Dan Hannebery loves doing more inside grunt work and showing he has added more weapons to his already formidable arsenal.

The polished left-footer, winner of the AFL Coaches’ Association award in 2015, is averaging just under 30 touches a game this year.

His fine form has been a factor in the Swans’ strong 4-1 start to the season.

Hannebery is in one of the AFL’s most-prolific engine rooms, with Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy and Tom Mitchell also tallying between 27 and 30 possessions per match.

Co-captain Kieren Jack and emerging youngster Jake Lloyd are both around the 24 possession mark.

Hannebery, who plays his 150th senior game on Sunday against Brisbane at the Gabba, is relishing being closer to the action rather than being stuck on a wing.

“I absolutely love it,” Hannebery said on Friday.

“I think it’s great having the responsibility to make sure you get an opportunity to get that first crack at it, to win that clearance and get it going your way.

“Playing alongside Josh (Kennedy), Kieren (Jack) and Tommy Mitchell and those sort of guys, it’s a great opportunity and something that you savour every time you go in there.

“Having that ability to adjust your role freshens your game a little bit.”

In his eighth season, 25-year-old Hannebery thought players were feeling the pinch early in the week because of the reduced rotations introduced this season.

He has reached the 150-game landmark in the third-shortest time span in his club’s history.

The former Xavier College student had the jump on most of his peers by playing some games during year 12.

Hannebery has played alongside each of the top-five players in the Swans’ all-time games list, including the three to have topped the 300 mark.

He was more concerned about winning on Sunday than joining the 300 club.

Hannebery is not underestimating the lowly Lions despite their 1-4 record.

“They are an impressive side at their best,” Hannebery said.

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