DAN HANNEBERY will remain a Sydney Swan until at least the end of 2021 after signing a new five-year deal with the club. 
 
It is a huge commitment to the 24-year-old who was due to come out of contract at the end of 2016.
 
The in-form midfielder would have been a prime target for Victorian clubs keen to lure him back to his home state but this contract extension puts him out of their reach. 

Club chairman Andrew Pridham shared his delight at securing the prized signature of Hannebery before the Swans-Richmond clash at the SCG, at a function to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the club's 2005 premiership. 

“Dan is clearly a fantastic player who has been in career-best form. Apart from being a premiership player, a (NAB AFL) Rising Star winner, and All Australian, he's a very, very important part of our family, and we’re very lucky to have him,” Pridham said.  

Hannebery has had a stellar start to 2015, averaging career-highs in disposals (30.5), inside 50s (5.3), clearances (4.9), contested possessions (11.6).

The gritty mid was named in AFL.com.au's mid-season All Australian team and is well on the way to earning the prestigious honour for a second time when the real team is named later this season.
 
Hannebery is also third favourite ($12) to win this year's Brownlow Medal, behind Nat Fyfe at $1.62 and reigning Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis at $10 (Crownbet odds).
 
The star Swan is also second in the AFL Coaches Association Award on 61 votes, behind runaway leader Fyfe (90).

Richmond confirmed it was one of the clubs that was keen on luring Hannebery away from the Swans.

"We had some interest in Dan, for sure," Richmond football manager Dan Richardson told 3AW.

"I know the family pretty well and actually played under and with his dad.

"We know he's a loyal person and we knew he was pretty happy up at the Swans.

"When that's the case, generally speaking, most players end up staying.

"In the end, you'd love to have a player like him, but the bottom line is that it's good for footy when a player is loyal."

Richardson stressed no formal offer had been put to Hannebery, but there was "enough" discussion for him to be aware the Tigers were interested.

"He knew we were well and truly interested in him, but we didn't really get too far down a path with any real meaningful discussions," he said.