Out-of-sorts Sydney AFL star Dan Hannebery says criticism of his form is warranted, but is adamant a “few niggles” haven’t impacted on his famed running capacity.
Last-placed Sydney host Brisbane on Sunday and vice-captain Hannebery said it was vitally important the 0-6 Swans got their season going.
Sydney’s normally formidable midfield has struggled this season, with Hannebery, in particular, in the doldrums.
The three-time All-Australian midfielder’s numbers are well down on previous seasons with him averaging 23 touches a game in 2017, as opposed to 30 across each of the last two campaigns.
He said he was disappointed with his form, describing it as inconsistent and felt he hadn’t had impact around the contest.
There’s been suggestions he may be suffering from osteitis pubis, something he didn’t categorically deny on Friday.
“I don’t know how that came up, but certainly like any player in the competition I’ve had a few niggles here and there,,” Hannebery said.
“I’ve been 100 per cent fit to train our main sessions and play and feel really good going into games, so certainly from that perspective I’m fine.”
Hannebery is regarded as one of the best two-way runners in the game, but insists he hasn’t been hampered by any problem this year.
“My running during the game hasn’t been affected by any niggles or injuries,” Hannebery said.
He had no qualms about the criticism directed at himself and Sydney’s other frontline midfielders.
“I think it’s fairly warranted,” Hannebery said.
“Last year we were able to be really consistent as a group of probably five or six guys that throughout the whole year were able to play really strong footy.
“There wasn’t really too many games where the guys as a group were down.
“Throughout the course of this year we’ve had good quarters here and there, but we haven’t been able to consistently come off the ground and say we beat the opposition midfield which is really disappointing and it falls on everyone.
“Certainly I’m a part of that and my form has been really inconsistent at best and it’s been really disappointing.
“Me like the rest of the group, and especially the midfielders, are really working hard during the week to rectify it.
“We’ve done a lot of talking, but I think the best way to solve it is by action on the weekend.”
Despite Sydney’s horrendous start, Hannebery said spirits remained high among the players both at training and away from the club.