Hannebery says plenty left in AFL career

St Kilda recruit Dan Hannebery says he's injury-free and confident he has plenty of good AFL footy left in him after shifting from Sydney.

Dan Hannebery

Former Sydney Swan Dan Hannebery is upbeat about the next phase of his AFL career with St Kilda. (AAP)

Big-name St Kilda recruit Dan Hannebery says he's only has a point to prove to himself and his new team despite the rumblings over his recruitment from the Sydney Swans.

The 27-year-old's form has dipped in recent seasons after a series of groin and calf issues with critics questioning the value of the Saints signing him to a five-year deal.

Following a training session with some of the St Kilda youngsters on Thursday, Hannebery declared himself injury free and confident of the form that saw him selected to the All-Australian team three times.

Hannebery, who takes the No.10 jumper worn previously by the likes of champion forward Bill Mohr and Brownlow medallist Neil Roberts, said he had high standards for himself.

"I'm probably the harshest critic of myself with my standards," Hannebery said.

"No doubt I had a really good run up until the end of 2016 from a games perspective.

"To have two down years was disappointing and I've got a point to prove to myself I guess, and certainly the St Kilda boys.

"I really want to try to get back to some really solid form, particularly early in the season, and go from there."

He said he had lost some weight to ensure he was in peak condition heading into the pre-season, while he had shown some early commitment returning to training a fortnight early.

"You do need a little bit of luck but I'm really confident that with work ethic and some management, I'll be fine," he said.

Hannebery said his experience playing against the Saints gave him the belief they were a better team than their 16th-place finish.

"I think Richo (Alan Richardson) is an outstanding coach but they didn't have a lot of luck last year," he said.

"I was really buoyed by their up-and-coming list and I think with a bit of luck with injury and there's been some good acquistions off the field with coaches, it doesn't take much to change it."

Meanwhile, Collingwood VFL player Tom Jok is training with the Saints in a bid to be drafted and Hannebery felt he was a strong prospect.

"I think he'll be a player," Hannebery said of Jok, who edged out Jack Sinclair in the Saints' 2km time trial last week.

"He's really raw, with plenty of upside.

"His work-rate is outstanding, he's got a nice kick on him, too, and he's a nice size.

"I think if the Saints don't take him - which I hope they do - a club would be stupid not to take a chance on Tom Jok."


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Source: AAP


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