Sydney onballer Dan Hannebery believes the reigning premiers’ failure in week one of the AFL finals was more mental than physical.
The Swans were level with Hawthorn at halftime last Friday night, but fell away badly and suffered a 54-point defeat that consigned them to a sudden-death semi-final against Carlton at ANZ Stadium.
The common perception outside the club is that the Swans are tired; they are carrying too many underdone players and that an exhausted few have carried the load this season due to a lengthy injury list.
Hannebery, one of many Swans to have their colours lowered in the qualifying-final loss to the Hawks, says it’s a furphy and that an eight-day break will help his teammates show pundits as much on Saturday night.
“It (the second-half fadeout) came down to really minor things,” Hannebery said.
“We don’t think it was a tired thing. We think it was more of a concentration issue, which is un-Sydney like really.
“It was pretty frustrating and tough to cop.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an easy fix, but we’re aware of it and really working toward getting a four-quarter effort.”
Hannebery was one of four Swans to return from injury in the first week of September, having overcome bone bruising in his knee.
The 22-year-old said he felt “close to 100 per cent” at the opening bounce, adding that a long turnaround will help those in the squad carrying niggles.
“The eight-day break this week will do us the world of good, and all the boys are feeling pretty good and refreshed,” he said.
The 2010 Rising Star winner will play his 100th match on the weekend, continuing a fast-tracked AFL career that started as a Melbourne schoolboy.
“He got an AFL game while he was still going to school in another state, which is quite extraordinary,” Swans coach John Longmire said.
“He got a game because we knew he was fit, a massive competitor and wouldn’t take a backwards step. Those qualities have showed throughout his career.”
Hannebery recalled his regular “surreal” commutes to the SCG in Year 12, but was wholly focused on stopping the Blues.
“After the loss on the weekend, it (the milestone) has really gone to the back of my mind,” he said.
“It’ll be a really tough game and we know if we can play four quarters of the footy we’re capable of, then we’ll get the win.”
