‘F***, sorry’: Dan Hannebery’s emotional post-match interview after AFL retirement

Dan Hannebery’s AFL career has drawn to a close, and the St Kilda footballer struggled to contain his emotions in a post-match interview.

Josh P. Kennedy of the Swans and Dan Hannebery of the Saints. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Dan Hannebery’s AFL career has drawn to a close, with the St Kilda footballer bowing out with a strong performance during Sunday’s 14-point loss to his former club.

The 31-year-old announced his retirement on Thursday, informing his teammates of the decision at RSEA Park ahead of the club’s Round 23 contest against the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium.

And although the Saints couldn’t end their season with a victory, Hannebery contributed 30 disposals, 13 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven inside 50s and six tackles in the 13.10 (88) to 11.8 (74) defeat.

Watch every blockbuster AFL match this weekend Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Hannebery was drafted by the Swans as the No. 30 pick in 2008, making his AFL debut the following year.

He won a premiership with Sydney in 2012, playing in the club’s 14.7 (91) to 11.15 (81) grand final triumph over Hawthorn.

After 10 successful seasons at Sydney, Hannebery was traded to the Saints on a big-money deal ahead of 2019, but his four-year stint at St Kilda was plagued by soft-tissue injuries.

He scored 100 goals in 226 AFL games, winning the Coaches Association Player of the Year award in 2015 and the Ron Evans Medal in 2010.

On Sunday, the three-time All-Australian was chaired off by St Kilda captain Jack Steele and former Swans teammate Josh Kennedy, alongside fellow retiring Saint Paddy Ryder.

An incredible send-off for Paddy Ryder and Dan Hannebery.

Classy from JPK too ❤️#AFLSaintsSwanspic.twitter.com/A9JUnshXVw

— AFL (@AFL) August 21, 2022

Left everything out there.

Thank you, Hanners. pic.twitter.com/J9pANeQ24I

— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) August 21, 2022

Moment of appreciation for Dan Hannebery. Gave every bone and muscle to the @sydneyswans cause and will probs pay for it with all kinds of arthritis too! Utmost respect 🙌🏻

— Urthboy (@urthboy) August 21, 2022

“It’s pretty special. Ah f***, sorry,” an emotional Hannebery told Fox Footy after the match.

“I put my heart and soul into (my career). Sydney gave me the opportunity, which I’m so grateful for the coach and players were fantastic, and St Kilda gave me the opportunity too and it didn’t quite work out for four years.

“I worked my arse off, but it eats me away that I couldn’t quite contribute more. I left it all out here and I’m so thankful for both clubs.

“I finished that 2018 season fit and played well in a final, so I was pretty optimistic about making a mark here at St Kilda.

“I started off well in the first few months, but wasn’t able to contribute as much as I like, which is really disappointing. We’ve worked our backsides off – both the club and myself – 2020 was a highlight with that finals series, but unfortunately too little too late.

“I’m still so thankful to both clubs.

“I gave it one last crack today. I was cramping in the last quarter, so I think I’ll enjoy retirement at the moment.

“I haven’t really thought about it. There’s so many emotions that it really hasn’t sunk in. We’ll wait and see.

“It’s gone so quickly. I’ve spoken to so many people, current teammates, ex-teammates, fitness staff – I think footy’s all about meeting people and the relationships you have and I’ve met some special people.

“I’m just so thankful and grateful for the staff and players and people at both clubs.”

Josh P. Kennedy of the Swans and Jack Steele of the Saints chair Dan Hannebery of the Saints off the field. Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images