Laidley wanted to make an early point before the training block reached its serious stages, giving Hansen a welcome boost ahead of his third year.
He told the 20-year-old he wanted him to wear the No. 6 guernsey, which had been vacated by veteran forward Shannon Grant when he retired at the end of North's 2008 campaign.
Grant had played all of his 243 games for the Roos in the number – winning a premiership medallion, the 1999 Norm Smith Medal, a best-and-fairest award, All-Australian selection and a legion of supporters.
"I was very surprised I got asked," Hansen said. "When Dean asked me, I thought 'I'll do that, Shagga wore it and he's a star'. I said yes straight away.
"I gave him (Grant) a ring and asked if it was alright if I wore his number and he said it was all sweet. I think it's brilliant."
Hansen, who played 10 of his 13 games this year, had Grant as a teammate for two seasons and, like North's many other emerging players, looked up to the popular character.
"He was always out on the track and always performed" Hansen said. "I always thought, 'I'd like to be like that one day'.
"To be able to wear something just like him, the same number, I feel honoured. It's a big buzz that I get to wear it this year and hopefully I do the number proud."
Remarkably, Hansen becomes the sixth Roo in 60 years to wear No. 6. Grant had it for 11 of those, after Ian Fairley (1985-96), Arnold Briedis (1972-83), John Dugdale (1955-70) and John Reeves (1949-55).
"I spoke to (propertyman) Greg Ryan, one of the stalwarts," Hansen said. "He's talked to me all about the past players so hopefully I can keep it going."
Hansen has passed his former number, 26, on to new recruit Warren Benjamin.
