Retired Sydney and St Kilda midfielder Dan Hannebery is considering a shock return to the AFL with Gold Coast after only hanging up his boots at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old only managed to play 18 games in four seasons for the Saints with persistent injuries keeping him on the treatment table.
After deciding to retire at the end of 2022, Hannebery is in discussions with the Suns about a possible AFL return, according to SEN's Sam Edmund.
While the 2012 premiership winner initially said no to Gold Coast's advances, he is now believed to be thinking about strapping on the boots again.
It's understood the Suns are preparing for life without Hannebery but could join the club as a delisted free agent when the window opens next Thursday.
Hannebery only played three games for the Saints in 2022, but polled three Brownlow votes in his final game against Sydney, gathering 30 possessions, seven clearances and six tackles.
He was also one of St Kilda's best in the round 20 win against Hawthorn with 27 touches and a goal.
Hannebery played 226 games at Sydney and St Kilda, winning a flag with the Swans in 2012, picking up three All Australian awards (2013, 2015, 2016) and won the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award in 2015.
The midfielder was emotional when he decided to retire prior to the Saints round 23 against his former club Sydney.
“I sat down with Simon Lethlean, James Gallagher and Tony Brown earlier this week and we had a really open conversation around all aspects moving forward and ultimately we’ve come to the right decision for both myself and the club.
“It feels like just yesterday I was flying back and forth from Melbourne to Sydney, playing my first few AFL games while still at school. Older players have told me throughout my career how quickly the time flies, but it’s not until you’re the older player that you can fully appreciate it.
“Footy has been cruel at times, but I’ve also been lucky to see the highest of highs and share them with some truly incredible people.
“The list of those to thank is long, but to everyone from my time at the Swans – particularly John Longmire, Paul Roos, Stuart Maxfield and all my teammates and coaches - thank you for embracing a kid from Melbourne and turning him into a man.
“To everyone involved in my time at the Saints – Brett Ratten, Simon Lethlean, Andrew Bassat and all my teammates and coaches – thank you for making me feel such a part of this great club. Even though I wasn’t on the field as much as I would have liked, you stuck by me the whole way."
