Hannebery, 19, who had a game-high 38 possessions in the win over Fremantle on Saturday, has signed a new three year contract to the end of 2013.
He is part of a new generation of Swans players, along with team-mates such as Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan, who are set to lead the Club to a bright future.
“It was a very easy decision to sign,’’ said Hannebery, who has played all but two games this season. “The way the club is going, with fresh talent and new faces from the draft and trades, I know it’s heading in a great direction.
“There’s a really good opportunity to be part of a successful period at the Club.’’
Hannebery has been nominated for this year’s NAB Rising Star Award. He said his focus was to continue to improve and learn from the senior players at the Swans.
“This is a great club to be part of. I’ve got so much respect for the players and coaches here, and I’ve learned so much from them since I was drafted to the Club,’’ he said.
“To have played 18 out of 20 games this year has been a great opportunity for me and a huge benefit in terms of my development.
“I’m still getting used to the speed at AFL level, and I know I’ve got areas of my game I need to work on. I’m really looking forward to doing that here in Sydney,’’ Hannebery said.
Hannebery was drafted with pick number 30 in the 2008 National Draft. He stayed in Melbourne in 2009 to finish his schooling at Xavier College.
In a remarkable effort, he managed to play the last seven games of the season for the Swans while travelling to and from home in Melbourne.
He re-located to Sydney at the end of last year, when he had finished his Year 12 exams, and hasn’t looked back.
One of the hardest workers on the field, Hannebery is part of an exciting new generation at the Swans. Team-mates Kieren Jack and Heath Grundy have also recently signed three year deals with the Club.
The Sydney Swans General Manager, Football, Dean Moore, said the Club was delighted such a quality young player had committed to the Club.
“He is a wonderful player and in only his second season at the Club he has shown great maturity and leadership qualities,’’ Moore said.
“He has performed at a remarkably consistent level for such a young player and it augurs well for the future.’’
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