GROWING from scolded schoolboy to the AFL's hottest young property in just 11 months was the result of a harsh but valuable lesson for Sydney Swan Daniel Hannebery.

In October last year, Hannebery was suspended by Melbourne's Xavier College for his part in a muck-up day prank to celebrate the end of school.

But as the unanimous winner of the Ron Evans Medal as the 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star, Hannebery said the fallout from the very public incident was a huge learning experience.

"It was a pretty tough time. Even though I made the decision, it was a pretty tough time, especially for the family as well," he said.

"There was a lot of fuss and a lot of media crews and it took me a couple of times to realise what I'd done and how careful you need to be and the responsibility you need to have as an AFL player.

"That really hit home and you do realise, especially after speaking to some strong people at the club, that it does hit you pretty hard. You need to make sure your socks are pulled up all the time."

Hannebery chose to stay in Melbourne to complete his VCE studies after he was recruited by the Swans with their second-round selection (No.30 overall) at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.

He managed to cobble together an unexpected seven games for his new club in 2009 before adding another 19 this year.

The 19-year-old was a unanimous choice for the rising star award which in seasons past has found its way into the hands of Nick Riewoldt, Ben Cousins, Nathan Buckley, Adam Goodes and Joel Selwood.

While the Swans did all they could to make the transition from Melbourne to Sydney as smooth as possible for the young midfielder, he admitted that he struggled with moving away from his parents.

"I'm a family-orientated man and I have grown up in Melbourne my whole life," Hannebery said.

"I became used to the lifestyle down here, playing my footy down here and being with my mates and family.

"Having that supporter base and being with 40-odd blokes up there (at the Swans) plus the coaching staff and everyone who is involved in the club makes you feel a lot more at home and settled in."