Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy has marked 2015 down as Dan Hannebery’s best season to date.
Kennedy believed his fellow on-baller had “risen to another level” this season and, nearing only the halfway point of the season, has put Hannebery’s up there alongside the best in the competition.
“Absolutely Hanners (Hannebery) has gone to the next level, I think his consistency week to week has bought that on,” Kennedy said.
“I don’t think he has had one bad game, he has taken his pre-season into the season and it is great to see.”
The stats certainly back Kennedy’s claims.
Hannebery is averaging 31.3 disposals in 2015 with six standout games of 30+ touches driving those numbers.
Without a Bob Skilton Medal to his name, Hannebery has thrown his hat in the ring as the early outright favourite.
The past three Club Champions – Luke Parker (2014), Jarrad McVeigh (2013) and Kennedy (2012) – have averaged 25, 26.4, and 26.2 respectively at the same stage of their distinguished seasons.
And it’s not only possessions in which Hannebery is excelling, the hard stuff is being ticked off as well averaging five tackles and 12 contested possessions per game.
“The way that he is playing, the intensity he has had around the ball and his running has just been fantastic and he has really led from the front this year,” Kennedy added.
Even the coaches have rated and rewarded the 24-year-old’s consistency.
Sitting second to Freo’s Nat Fyfe on the AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year overall leaderboard, Hannebery has caught the coaches’ eyes on nine occasions this season and has received the full quota of votes twice – in Round 8 and Round 10.
“I am absolutely rapt for Dan,” Longmire said.
“He is playing well and we are winning so that is the first and foremost thing that you worry about.
“At training during the week he is always putting himself against others and pushing others to get better which is part of being a professional athlete.
“He is at the top of his game at the moment, he is one of the best in the competition so it is good to see.”
Hannebery will be out to prolong his outstanding season against the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
