In shocking news emerging out of Moorabbin, Saints midfielder Dan Hannebery has announced his retirement after a plagued stint in Victoria.
The 31-year-old has only managed 17 games for Brett Ratten's side since making the switch from Sydney post-season in 2018, with things definitely not going according to plan during his time in Melbourne.
Soft-tissue injuries to his calf, hamstring and groin have troubled him over the past five years, however, the Swans premiership player is now set to call it a day following Round 23's match against his old side.
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His last match, almost two weeks ago against the Cats, saw him subbed out again with a soft-tissue injury, meaning that there is no guarantee he will even be fit to face the Swans on Sunday afternoon.
Despite having a blighted time at St Kilda, Hannebery was a prevalent figure in the Swans'ย 22 for the best part of a decade, chalking up 201 appearances after making just seven in his debut year of 2009.
The following season, Hannebery went on to win the Rising Star Award after a stupendous campaign with the Swans, before racking up three All-Australian selections, an AFLCA Champion of the Year Award and most notably a flag to cap off a star-studded ten seasons with the Bloods.
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Not many people would have predicted that injury would mar his move to the Saints so heavily, with the deal made even sourer for the club considering Hannebery is reportedly earning $800,000-per-season despite his lack of presence in the side.
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It's not for a serious lack of trying on Hannebery's behalf to get himself back to full fitness, this year flying to Munich to receive treatment from soft-tissue expert Dr Hans-Wilhelm Mรผller-Wohlfahrt following surgery in March.
Despite his disappointing time at St Kilda, fans will still be saddened by the star's retirement considering the massive potential he boasted arriving at RSEA Park.
However, the salary space he will free up may allow for the club to pursue some big names this off-season, including troubled Pies star Jordan De Goey.
The side will be hoping to send off their luckless midfielder in style as they aim to earn some pride against top-four hopefuls Sydney on Sunday's twilight fixture at Marvel Stadium.
