Dan Hannebery will hang up the boots following Sunday’s game against Sydney, bringing an end to a decorated 14-year career between the Swans and Saints.
The 31-year-old, who will return to the line-up this weekend, joined St Kilda during the 2018 Trade Period following a decade spent in the Harbour City.
Repeated injury setbacks have curtailed Hannebery’s game-time in red, white and black to just 17 matches, with his most important appearance arguably helping St Kilda secure its first finals win since 2010.
Hannebery will close out his career as a Premiership Swan, three-time All-Australian and AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player of the Year, among numerous other accolades, to place him as one of the most accomplished players of his era.
“On behalf of the club, I would like to congratulate Dan on his career and thank him for his contribution to St Kilda,” Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean said.
“While Dan’s body has let him down during his time at the Saints, he certainly hasn’t left anything to chance. His determination to return to the field has remained a constant, as has his professionalism during this time.
“Although we can’t shy away from the fact that we didn’t get as much out of Dan from an on-field sense as we would have liked, we are pleased to have had him at our club.
“We wish Dan and his family all the best for the future and he will always be welcome at St Kilda.”
Hannebery said while his decision is yet to fully sink in, he can walk away from the game knowing he gave it everything he had.
“I’ve put in a mountain of work to get back and contribute this year, but what the end of the season would look like was always in the back of my mind,” Hannebery said.
“I sat down with Simon Lethlean, James Gallagher and Tony Brown earlier this week and we had a really open conversation around all aspects moving forward and ultimately we’ve come to the right decision for both myself and the club.
“It feels like just yesterday I was flying back and forth from Melbourne to Sydney, playing my first few AFL games while still at school. Older players have told me throughout my career how quickly the time flies, but it’s not until you’re the older player that you can fully appreciate it.
“Footy has been cruel at times, but I’ve also been lucky to see the highest of highs and share them with some truly incredible people.
“The list of those to thank is long, but to everyone from my time at the Swans – particularly John Longmire, Paul Roos, Stuart Maxfield and all my teammates and coaches - thank you for embracing a kid from Melbourne and turning him into a man.
“To everyone involved in my time at the Saints – Brett Ratten, Simon Lethlean, Andrew Bassat and all my teammates and coaches – thank you for making me feel such a part of this great club. Even though I wasn’t on the field as much as I would have liked, you stuck by me the whole way.
“I’d also like to thank the medical and support staff at the Saints, especially Dr Tim Barbour, Rich Citroen, Marcus Krygger, Steve Forcone, Tony Brown, Andrew Wallis and Nick Walsh. The support and expertise you have all provided has been invaluable. The past four years have been some of the hardest of my life, but your guidance and optimism cannot be understated.
“To the members and supporters at both the Swans and the Saints, thank you for everything over the years. You’re the fabric of footy and your support has meant everything.
“Lastly, to my family – Mum, Dad, Molly and Alice. It’s been a long 14 years and you’ve been by my side the whole way. You make walking into this next chapter a lot easier and I’m looking forward to spending plenty of weekends with you all.”
After making his debut in Round 16, 2009, Hannebery will finish his career on 226 senior games, with 208 of those spent as a Swan.
