St Kilda Football Club has secured the services of decorated midfielder Dan Hannebery after completing a trade with the Sydney Swans today.

The Saints received Hannebery and pick No. 28 in the 2018 AFL Draft in exchange for sending pick No. 39 (acquired from West Coast Eagles) and St Kilda’s future second-round selection to the Sydney Swans.

Hannebery’s five-year commitment to the Saints comes after 208 games for the Swans, including the 2012 premiership.

READ: Slater joins Saints

General Manager of Football Simon Lethlean said Hannebery was a great addition to St Kilda.

“Dan’s a highly-accomplished midfielder who will be a significant addition to our group,” Lethlean said.

“He will help the likes of Jack Steven, Seb Ross and Jack Steele enormously, but we’re also excited about what he can teach Jade Gresham and Hunter Clark.

“He is a respected leader and someone with a lot of finals experience, which will be invaluable for our young group on and off the field.

“I know he is eager to get started, and we’re equally eager to see the impact he can have in 2019 and beyond.”

The three-time All Australian said he was looking forward to starting a new chapter of his career with St Kilda.

“I loved my time at the Swans and will be forever grateful for the opportunities and experiences I had there,” Hannebery said.

“I moved to Sydney when I was 17 and now, 10 years later, it’s the perfect time for me to come back to my family in Melbourne and bring everything I’ve learned to what is a really exciting and promising playing group at the Saints.”

Hannebery was selected by the Swans with pick 30 in the 2008 AFL Draft and was crowned the NAB AFL Rising Star in 2010, before being named as an All Australian in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Dan Hannebery stats

  • Drafted at pick 30 in the 2008 AFL Draft
  • 208 games
  • Premiership player (2012)
  • All Australian (2013, 2015, 2016)
  • AFLCA Player of the Year (2015)
  • NAB AFL Rising Star winner (2010)
  • 2nd place Bob Skilton Medal (2015)

IN: Dan Hannebery, Pick 28

OUT: Pick 39, St Kilda’s 2019 second-round selection