Speaking ahead of the Swans final training session before the opening round clash with GWS at ANZ Stadium, Hannebery disputed the fact that Swans fans only lived east of the ANZAC Bridge but said it was time to focus on football rather than marketing campaigns.
“My view is that it’s clear that we’ve been here for 30 years and we’ve been the standalone Sydney team and we don’t just have supporters in the east, we’ve got supporters all over Sydney,” he said.
“I’d say the ANZAC Bridge is probably more inner-city anyway, but there is no doubt that we’ve got fans all over Sydney and I think our fans over in the west are pretty filthy about it.
“We’re just looking forward to playing on the weekend and we’ve had enough talk about all these sort of bits and pieces and we’re pretty keen to let our actions do the talking and get out there and play footy.”
With his mind firmly focused on the game ahead, Hannebery said he expected the Swans would be facing a tougher, stronger opponent than the GWS side they took on in the opening round of 2012.
“I think their midfield is quite strong. They’re young but they’ve shown that they have the ability to run the lines pretty well,” he said.
“They’ve got two big forwards in (Jeremy) Cameron and (Jonathon) Patton down there, our defenders will have their work cut out as they’ve two quality players.
“Their backline is also more mature and stronger, so I think they’ve improved in all three lines and I think it’s going to be a massive battle.
“You can never take any team lightly and I think GWS have proven in the NAB Cup that they’ve certainly improved and we’ve definitely done our homework on them this week and it’s going to be a fierce contest.”
Hannebery will enter the Swans first round clash in good form, following what he considered to be his best pre-season to date.
Hannebery, who excelled in the three kilometre time trials, completed his first injury-free pre-season since joining the Swans in 2009 and said he couldn’t feel better heading into round one.
“It’s been a good one for me,” Hannebery said.
“I think I had shoulder (injuries) last year and in January (2012) I went in for a scope so there is no doubt I’ve had interrupted pre-seasons since I’ve started.
“So far, touch wood, I’ve been injury free and things have been going really well.
“I’ve been able to do most of the sessions and it’s just good to get continuity in my training and then you feel good and confident going into the season.”
