St Kilda boss slams report targeting Dan Hannebery

St Kilda general manager of football Simon Lethlean has rubbished a report claiming Sydney Swans officials had been shocked by former player Daniel Hannebery’s inclusion in the Saints’ leadership group.

Well-known AFL reporter and media personality Damien Barrett told his podcast, The Sounding Board, that Swans officials he had spoken to “nearly fell off their chairs” when informed the former Swans would take a leadership role at his new club.

Lethlean went on SEN Breakfast on Wednesday morning, slamming the report.

“I guess Damo’s not going to name his source on that one,” he said.

“I would be interested to know who it was that’s laughing about their vice-captain from last year and a 200-game player that’s much loved by the club.

“It certainly wouldn’t have come from John Longmire, Tom Harley or Andrew Ireland and people that are respected in the football industry, and I doubt it would come from a club like Sydney that have a great culture and great respect in football.

“I would be interested to know who that person was that said that, but I’m sure Damo won’t reveal his sources, if in fact he has one.”

Hannebery arrived at the Saints under a cloud, having battled chronic injuries in his final year with the Swans.

This, and the extra media attention from the Melbourne media, have placed the 200-gamer under an intense spotlight.

Though Hannebery is likely to miss round one of the AFL season, Lethlean stuck to his guns in the SEN interview.

“Dan knew coming back to Victoria would be a different kettle of fish for him,” Lethlean said.

“He has always had a reputation about his social life that he has to deal with and the only way you can do that is by behaving well, pulling his head in when he needs to, training hard and performing like the three-time All-Australian player that he is.

“We’re not going to pressure Dan for that to be Round 1. We look forward to him playing 85+ games with the Saints uninterrupted once we get him right.

“I would be really surprised if anyone with any credibility from the Swans actually said that.”