Opinion is spread far and wide over the recruitment of Dan Hannebery to St Kilda, he has battled injuries in the last 2 years resulting in a significant slide in performance.
Many have already put a line through the remainder of his career, but speaking recently on Time On SEN Hannebery was able to shed some light on his injuries & form.
“My form last year has been pretty poor & I have been injury prone”
“I had pretty sore groins before the start of the 2017 season and that’s basically where it started” Hannebery said.
Hannebery was traded to St Kilda in the 2018 Trade Period and is virtually in full pre-season training.
“The body is feeling as good.. in regards of this time of pre-season”
“So far the body is feeling really good.. looking forward to building up over the coming months.. (I) didn’t get much of a crack at it last year in the pre-season” Hannebery said.
Completing a full pre-season will be the key to a successful uninterrupted 2019 season for Hannebery, if he can complete a near full training schedule he will likely improve on the 18.7 Disposal average from 15 games last season (Career Ave: 24.4).
Hannebery is set to play a similar role at the Saints next season, he will be utilised as an inside Midfielder with time also spent on a wing.
“Speaking to Richo.. just after the trade went through.. I think that my best footy.. is that outside & inside (Midfield) role” Hannebery said.
Power Rankings: November, 2018
AFL FANTASY TAKE
If you thought that many were opinionated on the recruitment of Hannebery then the fantasy community may be even more divided on the selection of Hannebery at Round 1 next season, sure his previous injury history is a major factor but if he can complete a full-near full pres-season then he should be right in the mix for selection.
Removing opinions from the discussion Hannebery averaged 59.9pts in the 2018 H&A season, he scored 98pts in an Elimination Final loss to GWS in 2018. Hannebery did not score 100pts in any game last season, when he was initially dealing with his groin issues he scored 100pts or more in 39.1% of games in 2017.
St Kilda averaged 388.7 Disposals in the 2018 H&A season (Rank 3), Sydney averaged 373.2 Disposals in the 2018 H&A season (Rank 12).
If Hannebery is fully fit at Round 1 next season his upside is enormous, he is arguably 40pts at a minimum under priced compared to 2018.
Playing at a high disposal team will likely also benefit Hannebery next season, he should be firmly located in your watch-list with an * to maintain checks on his health status over pre-season.
