 Hannebery was drafted by the Sydney Swans in the 2008 AFL Draft, but remained in Melbourne in 2009 to complete his secondary education at Xavier College.He made his debut in round 16, 2009 against Carlton, while still attending high school.In round 2 of the 2010 AFL season, he received a nomination for the AFL Rising Star award after he played a starring role in his side's drought-breaking win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.