Sydney's record-breaking milestone man Dan Hannebery can recall his AFL debut clearly: the schoolboy was involved in a scrap befitting the schoolyard.
Hannebery faced Carlton in game No.100, while on Friday night he will tackle the same opposition at the SCG in his 200th match.
Double ton: Dan Hannebery is set to bring up his 200th game for Sydney.
Photo: AAP
The midfielder's career also started against the Blues in 2009, when he was called up while completing Year 12 in Melbourne.
"I remember Marc Murphy and I having a bit of an argument," Hannebery told reporters on Wednesday. "Trying to puff the chest out. You always have a laugh after the game, shake hands, shake your head and wonder why you carried on like a pork chop.
"I quickly learned where not to stand and where not to run. I clearly remember guys like Ryan O'Keefe, Jude Bolton, Luke Ablett, Jared Crouch and those sort of players demanding, (pointing out) where you go."
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Hannebery's career has unfolded alongside an era of sustained success for the Swans, who have reached the finals every year since 2010.
The 27-year-old will become the youngest Swan in VFL/AFL history to bring up the double century, a product of his durability but also the fact he's played 21 finals.
It could have been so different had another club read out his name before pick No.30 in the 2008 draft.
Blues captain Murphy, drafted with the No.1 pick some three years earlier than Hannebery, for instance has played under five coaches and never experienced a preliminary final. Let alone a grand final.
"I never reflect on what if I was drafted to another club," Sydney's vice- captain said. "You just always sit there going 'wow, I'm lucky to be part of such an amazing organisation'… it's been a great privilege."
Hannebery rattled off the names of Brett Kirk, Adam Goodes, Ryan O'Keefe, Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack and Josh Kennedy as some of the teammates to have kept standards so high at the SCG.
"They help develop you," he said. "They pass the baton on when they retire. Now it's guys like myself, Luke Parker and Dane Rampe who are trying to do the same to younger guys coming through. They learn pretty fast these days, credit to the recruiting staff but also the coaches."
Swans coach John Longmire is full of praise for Hannebery.
"He's a key component of our team. To be a veteran at such a young age is a real credit to not only how young he started, but also how consistent he's been," Longmire said. "His impact has been incredible."
Hannebery has suffered calf and groin setbacks this year but suggested he is now feeling fresh after getting through back-to-back games.
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