Sydney Swans’ Dan Hannebery and Gary Rohan have informed the Club they’re open to a trade home to Victoria during next month’s trade period.
Hannebery, a three-time All-Australian, 2012 premiership player, 2015 AFLCA Player of the Year, 2010 Rising Star winner and Swans Life Member, has played 208 games for Sydney across 10 seasons and has expressed his desire to be traded to St Kilda.
The 27-year-old said it was a tough decision to make but is keen to explore options to return home.
“I absolutely love this football club, I walked in here as a 17-year-old and was lucky enough to learn from some of the best leaders and players in the AFL,” Hannebery said.
“I’ve made life-long friends and will never forget what we’ve been through over the years. John Longmire, along with the senior players, current and past, never stopped showing me the way and I’m forever grateful for having such great people and influences throughout the 10 years.
“It has been the hardest decision I’ve had to make to date, especially with so many close friends, and as disappointing as it is to leave such a close group of people, I think the time is right to head back home if an opportunity arises during the trade period.”
Rohan, 27, from Cobden in country Victoria, is keen to explore a move home to Victoria to be closer to his family.
Rohan has played 106 games for Sydney after joining the Swans with pick six in the 2009 AFL Draft.
“I’m so grateful that the Swans drafted me to Sydney in 2009 and to spend the past 10 years here playing under coaches Paul Roos and John Longmire has been the best experience of my life,” Rohan said.
“It’s a great club, I’ve made friends I’ll have for a lifetime and the support from all coaches, staff and my teammates over the years has been unbelievable.
“I’ve got a young family now and it’ll be really important for my family to be closer to home and if an opportunity comes up during the trade period I look forward to taking it and the next chapter of my life.”
Swans Head of Football Tom Harley said the Club will work to secure the best outcome for all parties.
“We understand Dan and Gary’s reasons for exploring a move home to a Victorian club to be closer to family,” Harley said.
“Both Dan and Gary have separate and unique circumstances for wanting to explore going home and as a club we are mindful and respectful of those circumstances.
“As a result, we are open to exploring a trade for the pair at next month’s trade period and will look to secure the best result for the club.”