St Kilda’s interest in Dan Hannebery is a mistake, Mick Malthouse says

ST KILDA has confirmed it is interested in luring Dan Hannebery from Sydney but after struggling with a groin injury this season, coaching legend Mick Malthouse has slammed the decision, declaring it a mistake.

Dan Hannebery has played just 11 games this season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

LEGENDARY coach Michael Malthouse has launched a withering attack on St Kilda’s recruiting philosophies, saying the club’s interest in Sydney midfielder Dan Hannebery is misguided.

The Saints are chasing the contracted Swan to help beef-up their midfield after a failed season.

Hannebery is open to a move home to Victoria, but three-time premiership coach Malthouse said St Kilda should look elsewhere.

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He said the talk of St Kilda offering Hannebery a long-term deal at this point in his 204-game career was silly.

“His body is gone,” Malthouse said on ABC radio.

“He is an old 27-year-old. He would be one of the last players I would pick.

“I don’t mean this because of the kid. The (Hannebery) family are outstanding.

Dan Hannebery has played just 11 games this season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“If they (St Kilda) are talking these four and five-year (contracts) it is a ridiculous amount of years for a player whose body is struggling to get through this year.”

Hannebery, 27, has played only 11 games this season because of an ongoing groin issue, and has been shifted into a tagging role at times.

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He has been named to make his return as part of an extended Sydney squad to play Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

Malthouse, who coached the most games (718) in AFL/VFL history, said the 2012 premiership player’s best footy was behind him.

“His pace is gone,” Matlhouse said.

Hannebery has struggled with a groin injury. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Once your pace goes you are gone, and he never had a great deal of it in the first place, so when you start to lose what you had, you are in real trouble.”

The Saints last week appointed James Gallagher as new list manager to try and improve their squad for a finals tilt next season.

Malthouse said the Saints have a long history of draft and trade blunders.

“It’s a typical reaction from to the Saints, and you get so disappointed with their selections at times,” he said.

“You think it’s been a long time since 1966 to win a premiership.

“What has taken place? Is this (Hannebery interest) going to be a repeat of making a bad move?”

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