A stand-out junior player, Hannebery represented Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Metro, while playing for Xavier College during his final years of school.

A tough player who could win the ball, absorb a tackle, and run all day, Hannebery was drafted to the Sydney Swans in the 2008 Draft. Hannebery’s first year in the AFL was unique, given he was still in Year 12 at Xavier College.

Over the school holidays Hannebery would relocate to Sydney, and after making his debut, went on to play 7 games while flying in and out from Melbourne and attending school around main training sessions.

Once 2010 came around Hannebery had moved to Sydney permanently, he took no time to earn Rising Star nomination in Round 2. He would go on to win the AFL Rising Star Award with his 21 games putting him clearly ahead of his age group. In a Sydney Swans side that consistently possessed a deep midfield, Hannebery worked his way in to play with some of the Swans greats.

In 2012 Hannebery was one of the Swans best in the Grand Final as they went on to win the Premiership over Hawthorn. 2013 saw Hannebery be recognised amongst the games best, earning his first All-Australian selection.

His best season came in 2015, where he claimed a second All-Australian selection while also voted the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year.

With 10 seasons and 208 games under his belt at the Swans, including three Grand Final appearances and one Premiership, Hannebery requested a trade to St Kilda ahead of the 2019 season.

With elite training standards instilled in him from his time at the Swans, Hannebery brought his leadership and professionalism to the Saints.

While his final seasons were hampered with injury, Hannebery was still able to produce his best when it mattered, including a finals series in 2020.

He retired at the end of 2022, fittingly against the Swans where he earned 3 Brownlow Votes in his final game.