As the Swans officially launched the 2011 season at the SCG today, Rising Star Dan Hannebery spoke to www.sydenyswans.com.au about his preparations for the 2011 season…

How has your preseason been?

It’s been good. There’s been some hard sessions and a lot of the guys are really loving the practise matches now and we’re a couple of weeks away from round one. Everyone is really excited and I think the way we’ve played over the past few weeks hopefully we are set for a good year.

This has been your second full preseason with the Swans, are you as fit as you’ve ever been?

I’d say so. Another year and you get fitter stronger faster so all that sort of thing, so i’m definitely ready to take on the year.

As last years’ Rising Star, do you feel any added pressure to perform in 2011?

Probably not added pressure, but I always put pressure on myself to play good consistent footy and make sure I’m doing the right things and playing my role.

You’ve mentioned consistency, what are the key things you need to work on this season to improve?

Making sure I’m confident out there and really back myself. I need to make the right decisions and have as few mistakes as possible and I need to make sure I work with all of the other midfielders.

You have this weekend off before the first game of the year against Melbourne, are you itching to get out there? 

Yeah, we haven’t trained on the SCG yet, so everyone is pretty keen to get out here and start training and get ready for the games to start. It’s been a long preseason but those matches are over and everyone is licking their lips and are ready to take on Melbourne and get into the real stuff.

As a former Rising Star, can you tip us into anyone this year who could be the Rising Star?

Gary Rohan, I think he could take out the honours. I also have a friend over in WA named Luke Shuey, who is a good young player, I’ve been following him, he has had a few setbacks but I think he’ll also have a good year.

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